WARREN Rallies will seek action against cops

A silent march is planned for this afternoon.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- While the mayor continues to decide what, if any, disciplinary action will be taken against the police chief, two local community groups are planning public protests.
77 Soul stop
Mayor Hank Angelo and Fred Harris, safety-service director, have been spending the past few weeks looking into how the chief acted during a stop this spring at 77 Soul, a local nightclub.
A videotape shows the chief and Patrolman Manny Nites sticking their faces up to the camera and making fun of the cameraman.
The chief said he was joking, but the owner of the nightclub, LaShawn Ziegler, says he thinks it was harassment.
Conley said the mayor told him a decision on discipline should be made this week. The mayor has declined to comment.
The silent march is planned for 4:30 p.m. today, Bryant said.
"We are going to start at Kenilworth S.E. and go to the [Trumbull County] courthouse and then walk back to Kenilworth," Bryant said. "We are doing this to show our support for all those that have been abused physically and verbally by the city police."
"I don't have a clue how many people will attend, but it doesn't matter if it's just two -- we need to do this," Bryant said. She noted that she believes the city administration has taken too long to take disciplinary action against the chief.
"We want something done," Bryant said.
Upcoming rally
A rally to update the community on the complaints and lawsuits filed against the department will also be held in the next few weeks, Conley said.
"At that rally we will also be making plans for another rally to unite the community," Conley said. "We want a change in the administration of the police department."
sinkovich@vindy.com