Elizabeth: Suit filed against former K-9 officer

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

Elizabeth is suing a former police officer over missing funds and equipment that hasn’t been returned to the borough.

Garrett Kimmell had been the borough’s K-9 officer and became the officer in charge when the former chief was charged with misappropriating evidence. According to the suit filed in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court for arbitration, in those roles Kimmell was in charge of the K-9 fund. 

A review of all department operations conducted by the current chief, William Sombo, showed discrepancies in the K-9 fund and Kimmell resigned his position at which time, the borough contends, he was given a list of items which were to be returned to the borough.

That list includes training equipment such as a bite suit, various collars, a ballistic vest and folding crate for the K-9 program that would be needed when the borough hires another K-9 officer.

Kimmell was also in charge of a T-shirt sale to raise money for the K-9 fund. Kimmell reportedly ordered 960 T-shirts, none of which are in the possession of the borough, but no funds were deposited in the K-9 fund from their sale.

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