Former LPD Officer Charged with Battery

District Attorney Charles Branson has charged former Lawrence, Kansas Police Officer Frank McClelland, 38, with misdemeanor battery in Douglas County District Court.

The District Attorney was notified on August 17, 2016 by Lawrence Police Chief Tarik Khatib that an incident involving one of his officers had occurred on August 16, 2016. After notification to the District Attorney, Chief Khatib requested the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office conduct a criminal investigation into the alleged incident. 

The investigation was delivered to the District Attorney’s Office on September 9, 2016 and a battery charge was filed with District Court on September 15, 2016. 

The charge stems from a domestic disturbance call in the 1900 block of East 19th Street.  Law enforcement was dispatched to a fight in progress.  The first officer on the scene discovered two adult males engaged in an argument and attempted to break up the altercation.  The participants, Dalvin Walker and Keith Hill, did not comply with the officer and the officer used oleoresin capsicum spray and called for assistance.  The officer was able to separate the combatants before backup arrived.  Officer McClelland arrived on the scene and approached Hill.  McClelland directed Hill to sit down on the ground and Hill did not comply.  McClelland took Hill to the ground with a leg sweep maneuver and proceeded to strike Hill in the face with a closed fist up to four times before placing Hill under arrest for domestic battery and interference with a law enforcement officer. 

On August 17, the District Attorney’s Office reviewed the probable cause affidavit submitted against Hill for the initial altercation and determined no charges could be filed due to mutual combat. 

McClelland was issued a summons to appear in Douglas County District Court on October 27 at 3:00 p.m. 

All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  Charges are merely allegations of criminal conduct.  

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