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Lawyer defends actions of officer in Taser case
The mayor says the Taser arrest will come to a ‘quick resolution.’
THE VINDICATOR
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN — Patrol Officer Richard Kovach, who is accused of Tasering an intoxicated woman in a high-profile arrest, acted in accordance with his training, his lawyer said.
Atty. Dominic Vitantonio, counsel with the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, made his comment after a pre-disciplinary hearing Friday afternoon before Police Chief John Mandopoulos.
An internal affairs investigation by the police department found that Kovach acted improperly Sept. 2 when he arrested 38-year-old Heidi Gill of Howland outside an East Market Street night spot, Up A Creek.
The internal probe found that Kovach broke a number of rules and regulations, including the inhumane treatment of Gill and not protecting her during the arrest.
After the closed hearing, Kovach declined to comment.
Vitantonio, however, said his client was innocent and did what he was trained to do.
During the arrest that was videotaped by a police car camera, Gill, who authorities said was more than three times over the legal alcohol limit, was Tasered three times — although those who have viewed the tape believe it was seven times.
Mandopoulos, who will make his recommendation to Safety-Service Director William “Doug” Franklin, said he was setting no timetable to submit his report.
“I pretty much have it in my head what’s going on,” the chief said after the hearing at police headquarters.
He noted that he and Kovach had a good dialogue but he wouldn’t be specific.
Mayor Michael J. O’Brien, who arrived at the station after the hearing was over, said he is looking for a “quick resolution” to the episode, which was broadcast by national news outlets.
O’Brien said the reason for fast resolution is the negative publicity the city and Mahoning Valley have received because of it, and because Kovach has been given a 10-day suspension for his actions in another arrest involving a traffic stop.
Kovach has filed an appeal of that suspension.
yovich@vindy.com
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