Youngstown police: Investigation clears officer of wrongdoing in chain-snatching incident

YOUNGSTOWN — An internal affairs investigation at the Youngstown Police Department has found there was no wrongdoing on the part of a police officer present when an $800 gold chain was snatched from the neck of a 14-year-old boy.

The crime took place immediately after a series of basketball games at the Covelli Centre in December. Tennille Reeder, 34, of Youngstown, said her son went to the facility to watch the games and was outside the center waiting for a ride when the theft took place.

Reeder said the boy wanted to dress up for the event and left the house wearing a gold chain with a Jesus-charm valued at $800.

Reeder told police her son was standing outside the building after the games waiting for a ride when he was attacked by six young black men. She said her son was hit in the back of his head, and the gold chain was ripped from his neck.

According to Reeder, a Youngstown police officer was in close proximity but did nothing as her son was jumped by the group of thieves and the chain was stolen. She filed a complaint against the officer and it has been investigated by the department’s internal affairs division.

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