Indianapolis police officer arrested in domestic battery investigation

INDIANAPOLIS — A metro police officer was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of domestic battery for the second time in the past two weeks — this time against a child.

Michael Price, a 13-year IMPD veteran, is faced with two counts of a domestic battery and one count of battery against a child less than 14 years old, said IMPD Lt. Shane Foley.

Price was placed on administrative leave after he was arrested in late April in a separate domestic battery investigation.

That time, Price was arrested after officers responded about 12:40 a.m. April 30 to the 8000 block of Gathering Lane for an incomplete 911 text and a possible active assault. Detectives were requested for further investigation after they discovered Price was one of the involved parties.

According to the probable cause affidavit for the current arrest, there were instances of domestic abuse against a romantic partner on January 9 and February 27 with a child present.

In one instance, Price told the child in a text that he had to stay in his room "Because I beat you mom" and "I'm sorry buddy I'm just really drunk tonight."

The probable cause affidavit also states there was an instance of Price striking the child by kicking a rocking chair into their stomach and leaving a mark between the summer and fall of 2021.

Price was suspended on Friday by IMPD Chief Randal Taylor with a pending recommendation for termination to the IMPD Civilian Police Merit Board. He was most recently assigned to IMPD's East District.

Officers who are suspended are not paid while on suspension.

The case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.