Man who beat officer pleads not guilty by reason of insanity

Eric German is charged with assault on a police officer who will need  reconstructive surgery.

Eric German

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Staff Report Updated 4:41 PM Thursday, July 29, 2010

HAMILTON — A Middletown man accused of attacking and beating a police officer during a traffic stop entered a plea of “not guilty by reason of insanity” during his arraignment Thursday, July 29, in Butler County Common Pleas Court.

Eric German, 45, of Barnitz Street in Middletown, was indicted by a Butler County grand jury Wednesday and is facing numerous felony charges, including felonious assault on a police officer, impersonating a peace officer and obstruction of official business. He also faces misdemeanor charges of failure to comply with a police officer and failure to stop after an accident.

Butler County Common Pleas Judge Keith Spaeth kept German’s bond at $500,000 and set a competency hearing for Aug. 26 to determine whether the defendant is competent to stand trial. Forensic and Mental Health Services in Hamilton will conduct the court-ordered evaluation of German.

A Middletown police cruiser camera allegedly caught German repeatedly striking Officer Jason Deaton in the face July 21. The officer was beaten so severely, police said he will require reconstructive surgery.

At the time of his arrest, Lt. Walter Scott Reeve said German told police he fought with Deaton because he “has compulsive destructive disorder and can’t control himself.”

German was pulled over in his blue van about 5 p.m. July 21 by Deaton near Aberdeen Drive and Central Avenue after he allegedly was in a hit-and-run crash. German — who at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds was much larger than Deaton — struck the officer in the face several times before the two wrestled to the ground, according to police. Another officer, Malcolm Tipton, used his Taser on German, who was then placed in handcuffs.

Deaton suffered serious facial injuries and was taken to Atrium Medical Center, then transferred to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. He was released late that night, but officials said he will need reconstructive surgery.

Police Chief Greg Schwarber said that Deaton has not returned to work.

Eric German

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