Cops get reprimands

SANDUSKY — Two Sandusky police officers, a road patrol sergeant and a detective, both received written reprimands this week for improper conduct during a struggle with a city man on Dec. 19 who was resisting arrest and charged at officer. Costante DeSalle Patrol Sgt. Eric Costante was cited for three violations: discourteous conduct, violating safe work practices and disruptive behavior. Detective James DeSalle was cited for conduct and safety violations and being disruptive during the arrest. Scotty B. Scott, 28, had active bench warrants when he was found in a car that police stopped for a traffic violation. He fled from the stop, leading an officer in a foot pursuit westbound from Buchanan Street to Thomas and Pierce streets that ended when Scott was located inside an enclosed patio at a home in the 600 block of Pierce St. The first responding officer forced open the patio door and ordered Scott to the ground. He deployed his Taser when Scott refused to surrender. Video from officer body cameras show Scott got up and charged the first officer, pushing him to the ground, gaining control of his Taser and using it on the officer. He continued to struggle, and two other officers deployed their Tasers on him. Police were then able to handcuff Scott. A portion of the police video was posted at a social network site earlier this month, which led to concern that police mishandled the incident. Sandusky police Chief Jared Oliver responded by hosting a news conference at City Hall on Jan 11, during which he carefully reviewed all of the body camera videos with the public. Oliver went through the video, in some instances frame-by-frame, and praised the three other officers who responded properly during Scott's arrest. They maintained their professionalism and acted immediately to stop the two officers displaying unprofessional behavior, he said. The chief, at that time, also acknowledged the mistakes and said there would be a disciplinary review. The reprimands issued to Costante and DeSalle this week are the result of that review. Scott was charged with robbery, theft, obstruction and assault on a peace officer, all felonies, and a misdemeanor resisting arrest charge after his Dec. 19 arrest. Keep cool After Scott was subdued and on the ground, Costante approached him, leaned in close and told him, "Who's this m-----f----r? Huh? Who's this..." video shows. Other officers can then be seen pulling him away from Scott. "This was close to a complete loss of emotional control," the reprimand states. "We are expected to make decisions based on sound, rational judgment. Likewise, we are not expected to be discourteous or disrespectful to a citizen even if they have engaged in an activity that is criminal." Costante was hired in 2007 and was promoted to sergeant in August 2024. His six-month probationary period related to the promotion also was extended by 30 days as part of the reprimand. He was ordered to carefully review and follow the professional conduct sections of the department's department policies manual and counseled that his behavior in the future would be closely monitored by supervisors. DeSalle put a Taser to Scott's chest after he was subdued and handcuffed, according to the reprimand. "He placed a Taser near the chest of Scotty. The cartridge had been removed, however, it was capable of being used for a drive stun," meaning it was still capable of delivering a shock, the reprimand states. "Det. DeSalle asked Scotty if he wanted to be stunned again. "(Taser) contact near the area of the heart should be avoided," the reprimand continued. "This presents a safety issue, and is not a safe working practice." DeSalle, who was hired in 1988, was ordered to take remedial Taser weapon training.