SUSPECT SEARCH Report stands by police in Oct. home invasion

The chief said he has not yet read the report.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Police officers did not violate departmental procedures when they entered a Kenmore Northeast home searching for a suspect, an internal police report states.
The report, released Thursday, states that officers were justified when they entered the home of Clara and Joseph Maggio on Oct. 17, 2003.
Police were searching for Maggio's brother, Vincent.
Police had been chasing Vincent Maggio, and he declined to stop his vehicle. According to a statement written by Patrol Officer Brian Martinek, Vincent Maggio's car was located in the back of Clara and Joseph's Maggio's house.
Found in basement
Police found Vincent Maggio in the basement of the home, reports state.
Vincent Maggio has been indicted on charges of aggravated menacing and failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer. He has pleaded innocent and his case is pending.
Clara and Joseph Maggio both filed complaints stating officers entered the home, were rude, and didn't state why they were there. Joseph Maggio also stated police beat him.
Officers, however, stated they did identify themselves and told the Maggios that they were looking for Vincent. Officers also said that Joseph Maggio began fighting and tried to block officers from entering the home.
Arrested brother
Joseph Maggio was arrested on charges of obstructing justice and resisting arrest. A Trumbull County grand jury, however, declined to indict him.
Police Chief John Mandopoulos said he has not had time to review the internal report so was unable to comment.
Clara Maggio stated in her complaint that she was in bed when she heard loud banging on the front door. She said she heard her husband yelling that he was being kicked. Fearing burglars had entered the home, she called 911, her complaint states.
She also noted that officers ordered her out of bed even though she was ill. She said she fell on the floor and officers ignored her calls for help.
sinkovich@vindy.com