PIERCETON – Matt Owens tendered his resignation from the police department after being placed on suspension following a Pierceton Town Council executive session and special meeting Thursday, June 13.
Town marshal Tim Sammons gave the reason for the suspension as Owens’ squad car parked in the garage during his shifts on June 3, 4, 5 and 9 for unreasonable amounts of time instead of patrolling the town.
By state law, an officer is entitled to a hearing on matters of suspension. Owens did not request a hearing.
Owens was suspended with pay for five days and without pay until Tuesday, July 1 at 2 p.m., a day and time set by council members Matt Brubaker, Tom Barker and Mandy Espinoza for a formal hearing in case Owens wanted to come before the board. Also, Owens was not allowed on town property nor contact any town employee during the suspension.
The councilmen also approved the hiring of additional legal counsel and a court reporter if Owens appeared before the board July 1.
Council president Matt Brubaker said Tuesday morning, June 18, Owens’ resignation has been received. Owens was hired by Pierceton May 11, 2007, worked for the Mentone police department and was a Pierceton reserve officer prior to becoming a full-time officer in Mentone.
