Perryville police suspend officer pending investigation

The Perryville Police Department has suspended a patrol officer without pay while the Perry County Sherriff's Department conducts a full investigation into an off-duty domestic incident at the officer's home. The sheriff's department was contacted following a 911 call.

A news release from Perryville police chief Direk Hunt did not specify when the call occurred.

No one from the police department was available for comment Monday afternoon.

The same release explained that the protocol on city personnel matters prohibits the Perryville Police Department from discussing the case or identifying the officer, and also said the investigation should be completed "within the next few weeks."

Further discipline, if necessary, will be imposed only after the investigation is final.

The Perryville Police Department is also looking into "workplace incidents" involving the suspended officer that also may warrant discipline.

The unidentified officer's suspension comes after former police chief Keith Tarrillion recently pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of making a false report.

In July, Cpl. Brad Pitts was fired from the department after an allegation of fraud. Pitts had tried to run for police chief after Tarrillion stepped down last year, but was disqualified in January after the city clerk discovered he owed $32 in property taxes.

tgraef@semissourian.com

Pertinent address:

Perryville, MO