Fired Warren cop files grievance

Staff report

WARREN

Jason McCollum, who was fired as a patrolman with the Warren Police Department on May 5, has appealed his termination.

McCollum and his attorney with the Ohio Patrolman’s Benevolent Association filed the grievance, dated May 10, with the city administration.

The grievance says the termination is without just cause and is in violation of the labor agreement.

The grievance seeks reversal of his termination, back pay and no loss of benefits.

Warren Police Chief Eric Merkel fired McCollum, a 13-year veteran, for lying about whether a citizen had complained that McCollum’s fellow officer, Chris Martin, had used too much force during a May 25, 2015, arrest.

The citizen suffered a broken arm in the arrest, but the police department determined the officers did not use too much force.

Martin received a two-day unpaid suspension.