Speedway Police Commission Report

(posted May 15)

The Speedway Police Commission was apprised at the May 14th meeting of an alleged civil rights violation filed against Lt. Dan Eacret for his alleged actions taken while investigating a stolen cell phone at Charlie Brown’s Pancake and Steak Restaurant. The restaurant employee claims that he was singled out because of race. The plaintiff is requesting an apology as his solution to balance the scales of justice.

Eacret denies the allegation and refuses to apologize for the alleged incident. From the police department’s internal investigation, Eacret was cleared of the allegations based on independent witnesses report that no violation occurred. Since the incident can’t be resolved, the case will be taken to the Indiana State Civil Rights Commission.

Commissioner Jack Sneyd agreed that a simple apology would end the issue, but it would be wrong for Eacret to apologize as he maintains his innocence.

Police Chief Jeff Dine said he could not discuss the case further because of the pending allegations. If the Civil Rights Commission determines if a violation occurred, mediation would be summoned to handle the dispute between the plaintiff and defendant.

The commission also welcomed Ball State University student John Davis. Davis will serve an eleven-week internship at the department. Davis will learn all the aspects of police work ranging from communications and patrol to investigations.

Davis credited his neighbor, an FBI agent, for influencing him to select a career in law enforcement. Davis said he is looking forward to serving an internship in Speedway because of the race and friendly people. Davis hopes the internship will help him to pursue a career with the FBI or Secret Service.