A state legislator from Indianapolis was arrested on allegations that he assaulted two sheriff’s deputies while being checked into a hospital.
Democratic Rep. Dan Forestal was jailed Friday on preliminary charges including battery of a public safety official and resisting law enforcement.
Forestal, 37, was taken to Eskenazi Hospital early Thursday after officers were called to his home to check on his welfare, according to Indianapolis police reports. Forestal allegedly argued with a nurse during his check-in and kicked one deputy in the knee and kneed another deputy in the ribs after they arrived to assist.
Forestal was also arrested last summer and faces charges that he threatened police officers who stopped him on suspicion of drunken driving. He announced in February he wouldn’t seek reelection to the legislative seat he first won in 2012 in order to focus on his mental health.
His defense attorney, James Voyles, didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment Friday.
Forestal's uncle, Marion Co. Sheriff Kerry Forestal, released a statement Thursday:
"My family and I are extremely saddened by the most recent conduct of my nephew, Daniel Forestal. Words fail to describe the pain and helplessness felt by witnessing someone you love face such tremendous struggles. However, it is a pain that is shared by countless other families. As a community, we must do more on the physical addictions and mental health front as part of the ongoing discussions with law enforcement reform. I will continue to work collaboratively with and I also challenge our medical providers and professionals to fill the void that is thrust upon law enforcement officers who are not health care providers, but too often must fill that role. With regard to Daniel’s criminal charges, I’m confident that it will be handled appropriately within the criminal justice system.”
