From the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department –
On March 12, 2024, at approximately 6:28 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 12000 block of 425 E
for an alleged domestic battery investigation. Hope Police Department assisted with the initial
investigation of the domestic complaint.
Hope PD Officer Gordon advised that the suspect, Bradley Bates, had allegedly battered a male subject at the residence and the male subject sustained injuries to his face.
Upon arriving in the area, deputies were advised that Bates had left the area in a silver Honda passenger
car. Deputy Tyler Cooper located the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of
Poshard Dr.
Deputy Cooper attempted to investigate the original complaint of the domestic battery where Bradley
refused to cooperate with the investigation. Bradley refused to exit the vehicle therefore Deputy Cooper
assisted him out of the vehicle.
When Bradley exited the vehicle he became combative and physically struck Deputy Cooper multiple
times in the head. Deputy Cooper was able to separate himself from Bradley where he was able to
deploy his Taser.
Due to the physical altercation, Deputy Cooper was unable to use his radio to call for assistance. A
Sheriff’s Office intern who was riding along with Deputy Cooper, used the in car radio to call for help.
Assisting deputies arrived on scene and assisted in taking Bradley into custody. Bradley was medically
cleared from Columbus Regional Hospital (CRH) and was transported to the Bartholomew County Jail on
the preliminary charges involving allegations of: Battery on a law enforcement officer (level 5 felony), resisting law enforcement (level 6 felony) and domestic battery (A misdemeanor).
Deputy Cooper was transported to CRH where he received medical treatment from the physical
altercation. Deputy Cooper sustained a concussion as a result of this incident.
“First off, I am glad that Deputy Cooper only suffered minor injuries,” said Sheriff Chris Lane. “This
situation could have been much worse and I am proud that my deputy relied on his training and
experience to handle the situation.”
Sheriff Chris Lane said, “I am also glad that the intern was there to assist by calling for help on the
radio.”
This is a preliminary investigation. All persons are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.