An Ironton City police officer has been placed on "administrative leave," pending an investigation into charges that he threatened to kill an Ironton city councilman.

Thursday, September 06, 2001

An Ironton City police officer has been placed on "administrative leave," pending an investigation into charges that he threatened to kill an Ironton city councilman.

Mayor Bob Cleary said the matter was "under investigation" to see whether the allegations are "factual." Cleary would not release the name of the officer involved nor would he confirm the accusations of wrongdoing.

The officer has been off duty under paid administrative leave since Friday, pending a closed hearing that is scheduled for today. Cleary said the investigation is being conducted "in-house" by Police Chief Bill Garland and city detectives. The mayor said police officials are following the rules established by the contract with the Fraternal Order of Police and the Ohio Revised Code.

The hearing could result in the officer being suspended or fired. A criminal investigation also could follow.

Sources who would not comment on the record said an altercation between the officer and an Ironton city councilman occurred Tuesday night outside the home of a candidate for city council. Sources said the the police officer was on duty and was in uniform.

The police officer allegedly came to the candidate’s home and told the candidate’s parents to contact the candidate and tell him to come home. The candidate was at the home of the city councilman.

The candidate and the city councilman returned to the candidate’s house. According to sources, the police officer lost his temper during an argument and threatened bodily harm to the current city council member.

Efforts to reach the city councilman and the candidate for city council were unsuccessful. A woman, who refused to giver her name, at the home of the council candidate said the candidate wasn’t available for "comment at this time."