Battery against a Public Safety Official

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 On May 24, around 11:30 a.m., E.P.D. Officer Nathan Jones was traveling north on Heidelbach Ave. at Diamond Ave. when he was flagged down by a male who wanted a ride. The male told Officer Jones that he was just involved in a domestic dispute with a female and he wanted to leave the area before the female returned. 

As Officer Jones was speaking to the male the female part of the domestic dispute, later identified as Maeling Smith (18), pulls up in a gold Honda Accord and starts yelling at the male. After being told to stay in her vehicle several times by Officer Jones she refused and continued yelling, causing the male to yell back at her. 

To gain control over the situation, Officer Jones attempted to place Smith in custody. As he was attempting to place her in handcuffs she retreated to her vehicle, with Officer Jones still holding onto her. She then placed the vehicle in reverse and accelerated in an attempt to free herself from Officer Jones. 

After being drug approximately a city block, Officer Jones was able to free himself from her vehicle. In doing so the car ran over his right arm. Smith stopped the car a short distance later and Officer Jones was able to quickly place her under arrest. 

After backup officers arrived and were able to contain the situation, Officer Jones was quickly transported by another officer to a local hospital where he received treatment for his injured arm. At the time of this press release it has not been determined how badly the arm was injured. 

Smith was arrested and charged with Battery against a Public Safety Official and Resisting Law Enforcement. She is currently incarcerated at the Vanderburgh County Jail.Â