A Key West vacation took a shocking turn for a police chief from Ohio, landing him behind bars after a late-night altercation. The incident, captured on police body camera footage, has raised questions and sparked public scrutiny.
Key West Encounter Lands Ohio Police Chief in Custody
Chad McArdle, the police chief of Boston Heights, Ohio, found himself at the center of an investigation while on vacation in Key West, Florida. The incident unfolded in the early morning hours of July 28th, when a taxi driver made a frantic 9-1-1 call, reporting a man banging on his vehicle and demanding police assistance.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
Responding officers arrived to find McArdle, visibly agitated and injured. The body camera footage reveals McArdle, in a distressed state, claiming he had been attacked by a group of people and retaliated in self-defense. “He hit me probably three or four times hard,” McArdle can be heard saying to the officers while pointing at his injuries.
McArdle Claims Self-Defense, But Questions Linger
Throughout the encounter, McArdle repeatedly identifies himself as a police officer, a detail that did not deter the Key West officers from thoroughly investigating the situation. He alleges that he was attacked in an alleyway and stabbed one of his assailants with a broken stick.
Homeless Man Tells a Different Story
However, the narrative takes a turn as officers locate a homeless man in the alleyway where the altercation allegedly took place. The man claims he was the victim of an unprovoked attack. “He said I’m going to kill you,” the homeless man tells the officers, recounting the threat he alleges McArdle made.
Discrepancies in Accounts Lead to Arrest
The body camera footage captures the officers’ growing concern as they discover inconsistencies between McArdle’s account and the homeless man’s statement. “There’s absolutely zero stabbings on them whatsoever, all we can collaborate is he beat this poor guy up in an alley for no reason,” one officer can be heard saying to another.
Charges Filed, Investigation Ongoing
As a result of the investigation, McArdle was arrested and charged with battery. He was placed on paid administrative leave from the Boston Heights Police Department pending the outcome of the investigation. The incident has sent shockwaves through both communities, leaving many wondering how the situation will unfold.
FAQs:
Q: What is the current status of Chad McArdle?
A: McArdle is currently on paid administrative leave from his position as police chief of Boston Heights, Ohio.
Q: What are the charges against McArdle?
A: He has been charged with battery.
Q: Who is the alleged victim in the case?
A: The alleged victim is a homeless man who was present in the alleyway where the altercation took place.
Q: What is the next step in the legal proceedings?
A: The case is ongoing, and the legal process will determine the next steps, which could include a trial or plea agreement.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
