x
Breaking News
More () »

Former police officer David Bisard released from prison now on probation

Former Indianapolis police Officer David Bisard has been released from prison and is on probation in Marion County.
Bisard

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Former Indianapolis police Officer David Bisard has been released from prison and is on probation in Marion County.

According to a release from the Indiana Department of Corrections: This offender was released to probation in Marion County on 6/11/2017.

Almost 7 years ago, Bisard was on duty, driving drunk when he killed one person and severely injured two others.

The crime, the botched investigation and allegations of a cover up brought shame, ridicule and mistrust down on the entire Indianapolis Police Department.

“I'm sorry,” Bisard said leaving court in handcuffs. “I'm sorry.”

But innocence he insisted, even after a jury judged him guilty in 2013, afterward telling reporters, “It's not true”

Bisard said it again in court before the judge sending him to prison. "I'm not going to admit responsibility for being intoxicated because I wasn't."

The truth, jurors decided, was that Bisard was highly intoxicated in August of 2010 when his speeding patrol car crashed into a group of motorcycles stopped in traffic. 30-year-old Eric Wells was killed. Friends and fellow riders, Mary Mills and her husband Kurt Weekly were severely injured.

“All we asked for is justice and we finally got it," said Mills. And on the day of the conviction, "With everything that happened it still came through as a guilty verdict.”

The families and survivors waited 3 years for justice.

“We can only hope David Bisard will receive the help he needs," said Aaron Wells, Eric's father.

In prison, Bisard was apparently a model inmate. His good behavior and participation in education and substance abuse programs helped earn him an early release. A 13-year prison term was reduced to slightly more than 4 years behind bars.

During the 3 years it took to bring Bisard to trial, critical evidence was mishandled and the investigation mismanaged. Criminal charges were dropped then re-filed. There were allegations of cover up and preferential treatment given the then-police officer.

The ordeal brought down a police chief along with several commanders.

IMPD has changed its procedures and protocols for investigating officers involved in accidents.

IMPD also created new policies and programs intended to identify and help struggling officers before they get in trouble.

Bisard had been an exemplary, decorated officer. Just a week before the deadly crash he received the department's medal of valor.

Once released from prison, Bisard will be on probation for 3 years.

Before You Leave, Check This Out