Sept. 11--A West Reading borough attorney is investigating a fight between the borough police chief and an officer, Mayor Shane J. Keller said Monday.
Chief Edward C. Fabriziani and Officer Ronald E. Ladd have been on paid administrative leave since the altercation Aug. 31.
Sources said the fight erupted after Ladd was dispatched to back up Officer Thomas A. Hawn on a call about a man who had violated a protection-from-abuse order.
Hawn decided not to pursue the matter because he didn't feel like beginning paperwork on a Friday, sources said.
Ladd disagreed with that decision and went to Fabriziani, who sided with Hawn.
That led to an argument that turned into a scuffle. Fabriziani was treated for cuts and bruises in Reading Hospital.
In a written statement, Keller said:
"As mayor, I am authorized and obligated to take appropriate personnel action to ensure that the police department is capable of providing the highest level of services to the public. Immediately following a recent dispute that arose between police personnel, I directed the borough's special counsel to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation.
"The investigation is being conducted in accordance with the officers' due process rights as prescribed by law, and the findings will be reported to me.
"In the event disciplinary action is warranted, it will be imposed fairly and in accordance with law."
He also said he was concerned that confidential personnel information had been leaked to the press. He said that could undermine the investigation.
"I look forward to bringing these matters to a conclusion while also evaluating the effectiveness of the police department's management from top to bottom," he said.
District Attorney John T. Adams last week said his detectives also are investigating and that an announcement about a decision he had made regarding whether or not his office would take action would be made this week. He did not issue a statement Monday.
Meanwhile, according to county court documents available Monday, the man with the abuse order against him has had a warrant for his arrest since July.
Last week, a borough officer filed additional charges against the man for sending harassing text messages to the woman who had sought the order, according to court records.
Contact Jason Brudereck: 610-371-5044 or [email protected].
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