Vandergrift suspends cop whose encounter with Black restaurant patron went viral

VANDERGRIFT — Vandergrift has suspended a police officer who had been the target of an internal investigation concerning his conduct while on duty, according to our news partners at the Trib.

Officer William Moore’s unpaid suspension took effect Tuesday and will last four weeks, into early July.

The decision was made Monday after council emerged from behind closed doors following an executive session lasting 20 to 30 minutes. A motion to suspend Moore was made and carried by council, according to attorney Alaine G. Generelli, acting as solicitor for Monday’s meeting because of the absence of Solicitor Larry Loperfito.

The meeting ended moments later. Council members didn’t publicly discuss the motion or their decision.

Mayor Barbara Turiak, who was not at Monday’s meeting, declined to comment when reached Tuesday. As mayor, one of her duties is overseeing the police department.

Moore declined to comment when reached Tuesday.

He has been paid since being removed from the work schedule April 19.

You can read more at the Trib’s website.

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