Yellow Springs identifies officer injured in New Year’s Eve altercation

Yellow Springs police are seen early New Year’s Day after an apparent clash with revelers following an annual ball drop event in the village. MARGARET KINNER FISCHER / CONTRIBUTED

Yellow Springs police are seen early New Year’s Day after an apparent clash with revelers following an annual ball drop event in the village. MARGARET KINNER FISCHER / CONTRIBUTED

The Yellow Springs police officer who “deviated” from orders while overseeing the New Year’s Eve events that lead to an altercation with citizens and the abrupt resignation of the police chief has been identified.

The officer is R.J. Hawley and he has worked two years as a member of the Village of Yellow Springs Police Department, according to Village Manager Patti Bates.