MARION, Ind. – On October 2, 2019 at approximately 10:13 pm, Marion Police responded to the 1100 Block of North Baldwin Ave. for a battery that occurred inside of a vehicle.
Austin Christianson, age 20 (battered victim) reported that he had picked up his boss, Robert R. Liese III, age 45 from the AMVETS. Christianson reported that Liese was intoxicated. Christianson reported he was driving on the bypass when Liese attempted to grab the steering wheel three times while he sat in the passenger seat. Christianson reported that Liese then struck him three times in the right side of his face (causing pain and redness). Christianson reported that after being struck Liese then struck the windshield causing it to crack. Christianson reported that he then pulled into the Med Express parking lot at which time Liese placed him in a headlock which made it difficult for him to breath. He then shoved Liese out of the vehicle and called police.
Upon officer’s arrival, the investigation showed that Liese did in fact batter Christianson and had caused damage to the windshield of the vehicle. Liese submitted to a portable breath test and tested over the legal limit. Officers handcuffed Liese at which time he became combative and began “head butting” Captain Butche’s police vehicle. Liese was led away to be placed in Sgt. Ridgway’s police vehicle when he kicked at and struck Officer Kilgren. Sgt. Ridway assisted Officer Kilgren and began placing Liese’s legs in the police vehicle when Liese began “head-butting” him. Liese was then Tased which stopped his actions. Liese then spit blood striking Sgt. Ridway in the face.