MENU
SECTIONS
OTHER
CLASSIFIEDS
CONTACT US / FAQ
Advertisement
Lucas County Sheriff's Office
2
MORE

BCI investigating Lucas County sheriff's sergeant for Taser use

The Blade

BCI investigating Lucas County sheriff's sergeant for Taser use

A Lucas County sheriff’s sergeant is under investigation for using his Taser three times on an apparently drunken and combative man.

Sgt. Joe Gorney-Siminetti, a 24-year veteran, responded about 7:30 p.m. June 2 to a wedding reception in Monclova Township. An apparently intoxicated man, Brad Couchot, 21, of Findlay, punched a window at Monclova Community Center, according to a report by the sergeant.

Mr. Couchot repeatedly acted aggressively toward others and was restrained at his wrists and ankles when the deputy arrived. Sergeant Gorney-Siminetti ultimately put Mr. Couchot in his patrol car, he wrote.

Advertisement

“His kicking was so hard the upper portion of the door was bowing outward. He then began kicking the ceiling of the police cruiser,” according to the sergeant’s report. “His kicking was so hard I thought he would cause serious damage to the roof/ceiling of the cruiser.”

They started driving to jail, and Sergeant Gorney-Siminetti warned Mr. Couchot to calm down or he would use the Taser. After additional kicking, he found Mr. Couchot on the car floor, he said.

According to the sergeant, he used the Taser following Mr. Couchot’s efforts to exit the vehicle and kick the sergeant and continued aggressive behavior. Mr. Couchot was restrained at the time.

Mr. Couchot was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital and then the Lucas County jail. Sergeant Gorney-Siminetti reported scrapes to his hands, wrists, shins, and forearms.

Advertisement

Sheriff John Tharp said he could not specifically comment on the case during the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s review. He declined to provide body-camera footage from the incident, citing the investigation.

The state office is investigating to see if any misconduct took place in repeated Taser use. The sheriff’s office requested an outside investigation as a matter of transparency and to avoid any potential conflict of interest. An internal investigation is on hold pending its findings.

“We’ve educated and taught the officers in use of force, and where use of force of stops. This will be investigated. We will do the right thing, whatever that might be, as it turns out with the investigations,” Sheriff Tharp said.

Sergeant Gorney-Siminetti requested to be off on leave. Officials will decide whether he is reassigned or placed on administrative leave during an internal investigation. That review takes place once the state concludes its own assessment, Sheriff Tharp said.

Mr. Couchot did not return a call seeking comment. Neither Sergeant Gorney-Siminetti nor a union representative could be reached.

Mr. Couchot has pending misdemeanor charges of criminal damaging, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct filed against him in Maumee Municipal Court. He pleaded not guilty earlier this month.

Contact Ryan Dunn at rdunn@theblade.com, 419-724-6095, or on Twitter @RDunnBlade.

First Published June 20, 2018, 5:12 p.m.

RELATED
SHOW COMMENTS  
Join the Conversation
We value your comments and civil discourse. Click here to review our Commenting Guidelines.
Must Read
Partners
Advertisement
Lucas County Sheriff's Office  (The Blade)  Buy Image
 (THE BLADE)  Buy Image
The Blade
Advertisement
LATEST local
Advertisement
Pittsburgh skyline silhouette
TOP
Email a Story