SIDNEY — A Sidney Police Department sergeant is no longer an employee of the city.
According to Chief William Balling, Sgt. Warren Melerine’s employment with the city was terminated on July 14, 2017. He allegedly fired a “bean bag” shotgun and struck a white male during an incident in May.
“On May 23, 2017, while interacting with a Sidney resident, a representative of the Sidney Police Department discharged a non-lethal device commonly known as a ‘bean bag’ shotgun, striking the individual in question,” said Balling in a statement. “Following the policies and procedures established by the Sidney Police Department and certified by the state of Ohio, a use of force review committee was convened and a determination made that the use of force was not justified.
“Based upon the review of the incident and other factors Sgt. Warren Melerine’s employment with the city of Sidney was terminated on July 14, 2017. As is his right, former Sgt. Melerine has served notice that he intends to contest his discharge, and, that process is presently underway. No further comment can or will be issued at this time in preservation of the rights of all affected persons,” said Balling.
Melerine, 42, was first hired as an officer on Oct. 5, 2003. He was promoted to sergeant on June 30, 2013.
An independent arbitrator will be assigned to hear the case. No date has been set for the hearing.
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