*Editors note: The following story has been corrected to correctly name the commissioner involved.
KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A Knox County Commissioner has been charged with felony domestic battery following his arrest by Indiana State Police.
According to court documents, the arrest stems from an incident that occurred on October 5, 2021, when the Department of Children Services took a report stating that Trent Hinkle had battered his foster child.
On Oct. 8, 2021, the victim was interviewed in Evansville at Holly’s House. The victim stated that they had gotten into trouble for not cleaning their room. The victim claimed Hinkle threw a cell phone hitting them and cursed at them.
Hinkle, during an interview with police on Oct. 26, 2021, reportedly admitted that the incident occurred during an argument over cleaning a room. But Hinkle said he didn’t intend for the thrown phone to strike the victim, saying the victim moved as he had thrown his phone down in anger.
“I asked Hinkle if he yelled anything when he threw his phone. He stated that he probably did, that he was ‘really honked off’. He stated he might have said ‘damnit (victim)’,” the PCA reads.
When asked about the injury incurred by the phone strike Hinkle reportedly said the victim is over dramatic about things.
The Affidavit lists a 3″ x 2.5″ bruise on the victim’s left thigh with a small cut in the middle.
Sgt. Todd Ringle with the Indiana State Police said Hinkle was arrested at his residence Tuesday evening.
Court records indicate Hinkle has been charged with domestic battery on a person less than 14 years old, a level 6 felony.
