Lebanon police officer arrested in domestic incident

A Lebanon police officer is facing charges of domestic violence, aggravated menacing and using a firearm while intoxicated in Warren County.

John Wetzel, 41, was arrested Sunday after Clearcreek Twp. and Springboro police responded to a 911 call at 9:29 p.m. from his wife from their home.

The wife accused Wetzel of threatening to kill her and her boyfriend after she returned home from a weekend trip. Wetzel admitted to the wife’s accusations, according to the police report.

“He admitted to drinking most of the day and again he advised he was just mad and would not actually kill his wife or her boyfriend,” according to the report.

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According to the police report and court records, Wetzel was arrested and booked into the Warren County Jail. He appeared in Warren County Court Monday morning.

A temporary protection order was issued. The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office declined to suggest a bond, indicating it would be seeking a special prosecutor.

Wetzel, a longtime police officer in Lebanon, was released on a “signature bond.”

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An arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 22.

Lebanon Police Chief Jeff Mitchell said Wetzel has been placed on administrative leave and relieved of his duties while the case is pending.

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