‘He’s obsessed.’ Woman claims local police officer harassing, threatening her

ALLEGHENY CO., Pa. — A woman claims Springdale police Officer Derek Dayoub has continuously harassed and threatened her.

Joanne Connelly told Channel 11 she filed a protection from abuse order against him days ago. Still, she said she fears for her life.

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"He drives by constantly. He harasses me. He harasses my whole friends list,” Connelly said. “He’s obsessed with me. He’s obsessed.”

11 Investigates looked into the accusations against Dayoub, a full-time officer at the Springdale Borough Police Department, and his past.

“We were together for two years then he got married, and I tried to leave him and this is what happened,” Connelly said.

In the PFA, Connelly, who has an 8-year-old daughter, said Dayoub seems to have gone berserk since their breakup in December.

She alleges he uses fake social media accounts to slander her and her young daughter; posts her private medical history, which only he knew about; and poses as her in emails claiming to be suicidal and a drug abuser.

“He told me if I ever tried to ruin his marriage or his life, I would drink through a straw the rest of my life,” said Connelly.

The Springdale police chief wasn’t available for comment, but Channel 11 spoke to Dayoub’s lawyer about the allegations.

“In my career, this is probably the weakest temporary PFA I’ve ever witnessed,” said attorney Phil DiLucente.

DiLucente represented Dayoub in 2017 when he served as acting police chief and was charged with disorderly conduct, which was ultimately dismissed.

DiLucente told Channel 11 Connelly is making it all up, and by filing a PFA is trying to hurt his reputation as a police officer.

“I think we have to start thinking about people’s reputations, and if they are not meritorious, what should be the remedy for a defendant in those cases?” DiLucente said.

The PFA means Dayoub is ordered to stay away from Connelly for next two weeks. If he violates the order, he will have to turn over his service weapon and face state and federal charges.

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