By David Eck
Enquirer contributor

FOREST PARK - A police officer charged with assaulting a 17-year-old during an arrest in March was fired from the department, officials said Tuesday.

Officer Todd Halusek, who had been on the force for six years, was fired after a disciplinary hearing Friday, said Forest Park Police Chief Kenneth Hughes.

Attempts to reach Halusek and his lawyer were unsuccessful Tuesday.

Halusek violated several of the department's policies, including rules on identification, treatment of people in custody, use of force, and conduct unbecoming an officer, Hughes said.

Halusek had been on paid administrative leave since March 26.

Hughes said videotaped images from the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center's security system coupled with statements from witnesses confirmed that Halusek forced a 17-year-old male, whose hands and feet were cuffed, to the jail's floor. Halusek arrested the teen on March 25 on suspicion of driving without authorization.

Halusek, an officer with Forest Park department since 1998, has 10 days to appeal.

E-mail daveck@fuse.net