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$500K Bond Set For Man Accused of Attacking Officer
A shackled Eric German, 45, escorted by Middletown police officers Vince Lovejoy, (left), and Geoff Getter, sits in Middletown Municipal Court for his arraignment Thursday, July 22, on charges of assault on a police officer among other charges in Middleto
The Middleton Press via YellowBrix
July 23, 2010
MIDDLETOWN — A Middletown police cruiser camera allegedly caught Eric German attacking and beating an officer in the face Wednesday, July 21, so severely he may require reconstructive surgery.
On Thursday morning, German, 45, escorted by two police officers, shuffled into Middletown Municipal Court, handcuffed with shackles around his ankles.
Judge Mark W. Wall set bond at $500,000, which German hoped would be lowered so he could get out of jail, and possibly, retain his job. Through his court-appointed attorney, Damon Halverson of Hamilton, he told Wall that he had no previous felonies — only two disorderly conducts in Cincinnati years ago — his father and brother were former police officers and he had worked as a security guard.
Even before Halverson could make a case, Wall said: “Keep bond.”
German is charged with felony assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, obstructing official business, failure to drive in marked lanes and fleeing the scene of an accident.
The Barnitz Street resident was pulled over in his blue van around 5 p.m. by Officer Jason Deaton near the intersection of Aberdeen Drive and Central Avenue after he allegedly was involved in a hit-and-run crash. German — who at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds was much larger than Deaton — struck the officer in the face several times before the two wrestled to the ground, according to police. Another officer, Malcolm Tipton, used his Taser on German, who was then handcuffed.
Deaton, who suffered serious facial injuries, was taken to Atrium Medical Center and then transferred to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. He was released late Wednesday, but officials said he will need reconstructive surgery.
Lt. Rodney Muterspaw, who attended the court proceedings, said the incident showed the dangers that officers can face.
“It could have been a lot worse,” Muterspaw said.
German will next appear in court at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, for a preliminary hearing.
phoenixgirl
almost 3 years ago
162 Comments
I am so glad that this officer is okay. As for German, I know his son so I have mixed feelings about what happens to him. No one knows why he reacted like this so I hope he can figure that out while he's spending the next ten to fifteen years in jail.
djs2v
almost 3 years ago
5630 Comments
Get well soon to Officer Deaton. Glad this puke is off the streets.
Whalewatcher
almost 3 years ago
9776 Comments
Hope the officer gets well quickly, and back to work soon. Sure hope they can upgrade the charges to include attempted murder of a LEO. He's got it coming !!!
benaron
almost 3 years ago
246 Comments
In my opinion, German is lucky to be alive, deadly force could have been justified in this case. Good job Officer Deaton, heal quickly
petecoolcattt
almost 3 years ago
652 Comments
mhare - nice return from the net to that wanker... Assault is assault on a police officer. If you dare lift an arm or throw a punch then expect officers to defend themselves as they would if their lives depend on it - because more often than not - they do!... As a active operational PO of 20+ years in my neck of the woods theres no way in heck I'm NOT gonna take the advantage if I feel it necessary, regardless of others impressions. My job is two fold - get the bad guy AND stay unhurt/alive.
My thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery to my fellow international brother Warrior. Gods Speed mate.
TGman
almost 3 years ago
594 Comments
Hey this is in my neck of the woods lol......Good job Middletown PD hope the officer gets better. Heard that he might have to have surgery.
DocThomas
almost 3 years ago
2134 Comments
NOCTRA you're an idiot! Strong wrok Officers, keep it up!
mhare
almost 3 years ago
424 Comments
Noctra... who are YOU to say anything against anyone involved??? I checked your page and you don't list anything about yourself... as a matter of fact, this is pretty much your first involvement in anything here. Unless you are a LEO or possibly a representative from Taser, I don't plan on paying much attention to any of your OPINIONS regarding the use of a taser as a "defense weapon" instead of a "compliance tool". The Officer's job is to go home, and against someone as big as this defendant is, the use of the taser may very well have been appropriate. Neither you nor I was there, and therefore we have no idea what the Officer was seeing or feeling. Well, I have an idea, you have none. If this is going to be your attitude towards Police on PL, my feeling is that you will not be here long. Enjoy your time.
Noctra
almost 3 years ago
2 Comments
Whats funny is I see that it says another officer used his Taser on the guy, but if you watch the tape you will see that he already has wires running down his back. Deaton used his Taser on him as well as a Pain Compliance tool, No other reason. You see Deaton back up with the Taser in his hand. you see no violent moves from German, and then he gets hit with the Taser by Deaton. Thats when all hell breaks loose. Maybe this will teach cops that Tasers are meant as a defense weapon. Not as a compliance tool.
too40shorty
almost 3 years ago
392 Comments
Way to go Judge Wall
Anonymous
almost 3 years ago
Good job back-up officer!
Collegecop_WA
almost 3 years ago
2380 Comments
Good, glad to see the judge is not buying this POS's BS story about being such a good boy. For someone who has former LEOs in the family he sure didn't learn any respect for the law or the officers who enforce it. Keep this animal behind bars where he belongs. Prayers for a swift and full recovery for officer Deaton.