Bluffton, IN – On November 10, 2025, Indiana State Police Troopers arrested a Bluffton City Police Officer on Domestic Battery Charges stemming from an incident on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at a residence in Bluffton. This arrest was done without incident.
With assistance from the Bluffton Police Department, Indiana State Police Detectives responded to an incident of which Clifford Thomas, (49) of Bluffton, was accused of domestic battery. Thomas is a Bluffton City Police Officer but was not on duty at the time of the alleged battery. After an investigation, it was determined there was enough evidence to arrest Mr. Thomas on the charges and he has been incarcerated in the Wells County Jail.
Clifford Thomas was arrested on the following charges:
- Domestic Battery Class A Misdemeanor
- Strangulation Level 6 Felony
- Pointing a Firearm Level 6 Felony
The case has been transferred to the Whitley County Prosecutors Office to act as a special prosecutor as there would be a conflict of interest with the Wells County Prosecutor. There is no more information available at this time.
*All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Wells County Republican Chairman, Preston T. Wright, shared the following statement, saying Thomas should step down:
I am aware of the criminal charges filed against Cliff Thomas. It is a serious and concerning situation. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but when you hold public office and serve in law enforcement, you have a responsibility to uphold the trust and confidence of the people you serve.
Based on what I know at this point, I believe it is best for him and for the community that he step down and focus on his own well-being. I am confident the legal process will handle this matter fairly. If and when he steps down, I will be ready to call a caucus to fill the vacancy.Chairman Preston T. Wright
Thomas is also the Wells County Coroner.
Mercer County Outlook 