Post by WaTcHeR on Dec 8, 2006 12:50:31 GMT -5
12.08.2006 - CONNEAUT - - A Conneaut police officer began a 10-day suspension without pay Wednesday after he reportedly used excessive force to subdue a suspect, officials said.
Officer Henry Hayes, an 18-year veteran of the department, was suspended on order of Police Chief Jon Arcaro. A copy of a letter Arcaro sent Hayes, detailing his suspension, was obtained from City Hall through a Freedom of Information request.
Arcaro's letter indicates the incident occurred early on the morning of Oct. 7. A man arrested at that time allegedly suffered a contusion to his right shoulder when he "made contact with the pavement," according to the letter.
Statements from other officers at the scene cast doubt on Hayes' claim the suspect resisted arrest, Arcaro wrote. Hayes has denied any wrongdoing, according to the letter.
"The inconsistencies between your official report and your statements during our meeting, as well as your inability to 'recall' certain actions that occurred on the morning of Oct. 7, lead me to believe that you are not being completely truthful," Arcaro wrote.
"If you would have dealt with this situation in a professional manner and used good judgment from the outset, we would not be at this juncture," Arcaro wrote.
The letter indicated Hayes received a written reprimand in late September on an separate incident.
"You cannot continue to treat the public the way that you do, and the city will not tolerate this behavior any longer," Arcaro said.
The alleged victim, identified as William Reynolds, 31, of Conneaut, has been charged with disorderly conduct, aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to a Conneaut Municipal Court spokeswoman. A trial has been scheduled for Monday, she said.
Law Director Lori Lamer declined comment on the incident Wednesday, except to confirm Hayes has filed a grievance on the matter, as is his right per city contract. City Manager Douglas Lewis, who will hear the grievance, was out of his office Wednesday and unavailable for comment. If Lewis upholds the suspension, an arbitrator can be assigned to hear the matter.
www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_342061544
Officer Henry Hayes, an 18-year veteran of the department, was suspended on order of Police Chief Jon Arcaro. A copy of a letter Arcaro sent Hayes, detailing his suspension, was obtained from City Hall through a Freedom of Information request.
Arcaro's letter indicates the incident occurred early on the morning of Oct. 7. A man arrested at that time allegedly suffered a contusion to his right shoulder when he "made contact with the pavement," according to the letter.
Statements from other officers at the scene cast doubt on Hayes' claim the suspect resisted arrest, Arcaro wrote. Hayes has denied any wrongdoing, according to the letter.
"The inconsistencies between your official report and your statements during our meeting, as well as your inability to 'recall' certain actions that occurred on the morning of Oct. 7, lead me to believe that you are not being completely truthful," Arcaro wrote.
"If you would have dealt with this situation in a professional manner and used good judgment from the outset, we would not be at this juncture," Arcaro wrote.
The letter indicated Hayes received a written reprimand in late September on an separate incident.
"You cannot continue to treat the public the way that you do, and the city will not tolerate this behavior any longer," Arcaro said.
The alleged victim, identified as William Reynolds, 31, of Conneaut, has been charged with disorderly conduct, aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to a Conneaut Municipal Court spokeswoman. A trial has been scheduled for Monday, she said.
Law Director Lori Lamer declined comment on the incident Wednesday, except to confirm Hayes has filed a grievance on the matter, as is his right per city contract. City Manager Douglas Lewis, who will hear the grievance, was out of his office Wednesday and unavailable for comment. If Lewis upholds the suspension, an arbitrator can be assigned to hear the matter.
www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_342061544