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Trial begins for man accused of beating police officer

Eric German sits in the Middletown Municipal Court for his arraignment on charges of assault on a police officer and other charges Thursday, July 22, 2010 in Middletown, Ohio. Staff photo by Nick Graham

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By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer Updated 7:41 AM Monday, January 24, 2011

HAMILTON — The trial of a Middletown man accused of attacking and beating a police officer during a traffic stop last summer is scheduled to begin this morning with jury selection.

Eric German, 46, of Barnitz Street, is charged with felonious assault on a police officer, impersonating a police officer and obstruction of official business for the July 21 attack on Middletown police officer Jason Deaton.

Butler County Common Pleas Judge Keith Spaeth has called for 55 potential jurors to show up for the trial that is expected to last two or three days.

German has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Defense attorney Damon Halverson said sanity issues will be part of the defense. German told police he suffers from intermittent explosive disorder, a behavioral disorder characterized by impulsive acts of rage.

Halverson said a psychological evaluation of German supports the insanity plea. That same evaluation by Dr. Bobbie Hopes also stated German is competent to stand trial.

A Middletown cruiser camera allegedly caught German repeatedly striking Deaton in the face on July 21. The officer was beaten so severely that officials said he required reconstructive surgery.

Deaton returned to duty in September and is back to his duties on street patrol, according to Middletown Maj. Mark Hoffman.

German was pulled over in his van 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 is 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, arrived on scene and used his Taser on German, who was then placed in handcuffs.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lpack@coxohio.com.

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