Public Defender On Leave Following Arrest

INDIANAPOLIS -- A Marion County public defender is on leave after he was arrested, accused of breaking into a home and attacking a 17-year-old boy.

Ikedigbo Nnaemeka, 31, was charged with attempted residential entry and battery after he tried to force his way inside a home in the 2500 block of East 18th Street just after 2 a.m. Tuesday, said Lt. Jeffrey Duhamell.

According to the police report, Nnaemeka also attacked the homeowner's 17-year-old son, who was trying to keep him out of the home.

Investigators told 6News' Jack Rinehart that the arrest is the latest in a string of bizarre behavior by Nnaemeka.

A month ago, police said he was seen speeding and weaving in and out of traffic near Washington and East streets. According to the police report, Nnaemeka stopped his car in the middle of the intersection and "acted erratically" when he got out of the vehicle.

Nnaemeka has worked for the Marion County Public Defender Agency for just more than a year.

In 2003, he was convicted in New York of carrying a handgun without a license and was on probation when he was hired in Marion County.

The county code stipulates that investigating bodies have 10 days to decide whether to keep criminally charged employees, suspend them without pay or recommend termination.

Nnaemeka, who was out on bond on Thursday, had taken a leave of absence, officials said.