Sandusky police officer under criminal investigation

SANDUSKY — Local authorities launched a criminal investigation into a Sandusky police officer who's accused of shoving at least two women inside a bar.While she hasn't been charged with a crime, police commanders are looking into alleged actions committed by Officer Carissa Cruz.She'll remain on paid administrative leave until her supervisors learn more about what happened during a Friday incident at Crowbar on West Market Street.Just before 1:45 a.m., city police officers responded to a disturbance in which Cruz reportedly pushed her current girlfriend's ex-girlfriend inside a bathroom stall.The victim "was not sure what Carissa's beef was with her," according to a statement in the police report the Register obtained through a public records request.Upon being confronted by others in the bathroom, Cruz reportedly pushed a second woman.One victim claims Cruz was "fall-down drunk." Another bystander, a man, told police Cruz "acts like a bully, gets jealous and uses her badge" in other heated incidents.Neither Cruz nor her current girlfriend, who allegedly pushed a third woman, provided a statement to police.Sandusky police Chief John Orzech provided a brief statement."I was made aware of an incident that allegedly involved an officer of the agency at a local bar. I spoke with (Erie County Sheriff Paul) Sigsworth early Friday morning concerning the matter and requested that his agency conduct the investigation, as it relates to this incident. The sheriff agreed to investigate the matter."The city's collective bargaining contract with police allows officers to earn their hourly wages while on paid administrative leave. Cruz, who started with the department in September 2015, makes about $46,100 a year.Orzech wouldn't provide specific details or speculate on the case."At this point, I don't have any further comments, as there is a pending investigation being conducted, and it would be inappropriate to comment until all of the facts are gathered through this investigation."Editor's note: As of today, Cruz has not been suspended by the police department. An earlier version of this news story incorrectly addressed her job status.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Cruz, Carissa