Chesterton Police Officer Arrested on Felony Domestic Battery and Strangulation Charges
A Chesterton police officer has been arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident involving a pregnant woman.
According to jail and court records, Ryan Miller, 32, of Chesterton, was arrested by Portage Police and is facing two Level 5 felony charges.
The probable cause affidavit alleges that on December 31, 2025, Miller grabbed a family or household member by the shoulders, threw her against a wall, and placed his hands around her neck, applying pressure that impeded her breathing. Investigators allege the victim suffered bodily injury and was approximately 25 weeks pregnant at the time of the incident, and that Miller was aware of the pregnancy.
The affidavit further states the incident occurred in the presence of a child under the age of 16.
Charges filed January 2,2026:
• Domestic Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury to a Pregnant Woman – Level 5 Felony
• Strangulation (Victim Pregnant) – Level 5 Felony
Following the arrest, Chesterton Police Department confirmed the officer has been placed on administrative leave.
Chesterton Town Council President Erin Collins released a statement Thursday addressing the arrest.
“The Town of Chesterton has been made aware of the arrest of a Chesterton Police Department officer on allegations of domestic battery. Allegations of this nature are taken extremely seriously. Conduct that endangers others or undermines public trust is not tolerated by the Town of Chesterton or the Chesterton Police Department,” Collins said.
Collins stated the allegations will be investigated through appropriate internal and statutory processes, including review by the Metropolitan Board of Police Commissioners. She confirmed the officer was already on administrative leave at the time of the arrest and will remain on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Out of respect for due process and the individuals involved, the Town will not comment further while these proceedings are underway,” Collins said. “Our focus remains on accountability, transparency, and ensuring the safety and confidence of our community.”
Collins also encouraged anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
A Chesterton police officer has been arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident involving a pregnant woman.
According to jail and court records, Ryan Miller, 32, of Chesterton, was arrested by Portage Police and is facing two Level 5 felony charges.
The probable cause affidavit alleges that on December 31, 2025, Miller grabbed a family or household member by the shoulders, threw her against a wall, and placed his hands around her neck, applying pressure that impeded her breathing. Investigators allege the victim suffered bodily injury and was approximately 25 weeks pregnant at the time of the incident, and that Miller was aware of the pregnancy.
The affidavit further states the incident occurred in the presence of a child under the age of 16.
Charges filed January 2,2026:
• Domestic Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury to a Pregnant Woman – Level 5 Felony
• Strangulation (Victim Pregnant) – Level 5 Felony
Following the arrest, Chesterton Police Department confirmed the officer has been placed on administrative leave.
Chesterton Town Council President Erin Collins released a statement Thursday addressing the arrest.
“The Town of Chesterton has been made aware of the arrest of a Chesterton Police Department officer on allegations of domestic battery. Allegations of this nature are taken extremely seriously. Conduct that endangers others or undermines public trust is not tolerated by the Town of Chesterton or the Chesterton Police Department,” Collins said.
Collins stated the allegations will be investigated through appropriate internal and statutory processes, including review by the Metropolitan Board of Police Commissioners. She confirmed the officer was already on administrative leave at the time of the arrest and will remain on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Out of respect for due process and the individuals involved, the Town will not comment further while these proceedings are underway,” Collins said. “Our focus remains on accountability, transparency, and ensuring the safety and confidence of our community.”
Collins also encouraged anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
