Assistant police chief in West Baden arrested for battery and misconduct

The West Baden Assistant Police Chief, Thomas Burkhardt, faced a sudden arrest on Tuesday, according to the Indiana State Police. The 60-year-old from Dubois was apprehended on three felony charges following an investigation that commenced on April 22, 2026. The police received reports regarding Burkhardt’s involvement in battery and misconduct, leading to his subsequent arrest on May 19, 2026. Under a no-bond warrant, Burkhardt was taken into custody by Detectives from the Indiana State Police and placed in the Orange County Jail without any issues.

Acknowledging the victims’ valuable input and cooperation, the State Police expressed gratitude for their assistance throughout the investigation. The case’s Special Prosecutor, Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter, charged Burkhardt with two counts of Official Misconduct, classified as Level 6 Felonies, along with one count of Battery, also a Level 6 Felony, and another count of Battery as a Class A Misdemeanor. Burkhardt is slated to make a court appearance at the Orange County Circuit Court in the coming days to address these charges.

The town of West Baden Springs relies on the West Baden Police Department for law enforcement and public safety, located approximately two hours south of Indianapolis. The swift apprehension of Burkhardt by the Indiana State Police underscores their commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the accountability of law enforcement officials. As the legal proceedings unfold in the Orange County Circuit Court, the community of West Baden and the surrounding areas await further developments in this case. It is imperative to maintain transparency and diligence in addressing instances of misconduct and upholding the standards of integrity within the law enforcement sector.