From Mt. Carmel Police Chief Mike McWilliams: On 8/24/23 at approximately 1215pm, Mt. Carmel Police responded to the Mt. Carmel Grade School regarding an out-of-control child that had walked out of the school and was allegedly hitting parked vehicles. Officers arrived to the scene and found numerous MCGS staff and administrators working to keep the involved child from stealing another child’s bike in an attempt to leave the property. Officers worked to keep the child from leaving property and the child’s guardian was already on scene and present. During this time, the child also attempted to start the guardian’s vehicle and attempt to drive away. A Wabash County Deputy and three MCPD officers worked to restrain and monitor the child as reasonably as possible to keep the child safe as did school staff.

Once a social worker that is involved with the child arrived, she worked with the guardian and child to deescalate the situation as best she could. Officers stood by until it was safe for the guardian to leave the scene and take him home. The child was not “thrown” by a law enforcement officer as indicated in a Facebook post; however, he was placed on the ground due to the unsafe behaviors exhibited. Body camera footage has been reviewed and illustrates these accusations to be completely exaggerated, if not completely false. Body camera footage has been reviewed by Wabash County States Attorney Kelli Storckman, who concluded no improper actions occurred. I welcome a meeting with the concerned party regarding their concerns over law enforcement actions; however, I will not discuss any matters involving District 348 actions.