Fort Wayne, IN – Detectives with the Fort Wayne Police Department made an arrest Friday afternoon in connection with a rape investigation that dates back to 2008, following a recent DNA breakthrough that reopened the long-dormant case.
According to the Fort Wayne Police Department, investigators received a DNA hit earlier this year through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which provided new investigative leads in the case. After additional follow-up by the department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit and crime scene technicians, the suspect was identified and confirmed.
Police said the arrest occurred around 2:35 p.m. Friday near U.S. 27 and Interstate 469 on the city’s southeast side. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Allen County Jail.
Authorities identified the suspect as Brad A. Battershell, 55. Police allege Battershell is connected to the 2008 rape investigation based on the DNA evidence and subsequent investigative work. Detective Kim Seiss of the Crimes Against Persons Unit (CAPS) was assigned as the lead investigator on the case.
Battershell is facing multiple preliminary charges, including two counts of rape, three counts of criminal deviate conduct, and one count of sexual battery. All charges are pending formal review by the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Police emphasized that the arrest reflects continued efforts to resolve cold cases and hold suspects accountable, even years after the original crime occurred. Investigators credited collaboration between multiple FWPD units for helping bring the case to this stage.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Fort Wayne Police Department. As with all criminal cases, the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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