2 Girard officers on paid leave pending investigation | News, Sports, Work

GIRARD. City police confirmed the two officers are on paid administrative leave while they investigate whether they committed an illegal entry and search.

Officers Mark Crain and James Serenelli Jr. were called to a report of possible domestic violence while on the precinct on Sept. 7, according to an incident report. Officers, along with two members of the Liberty Division, responded to a call at 535 Powers Avenue at 9:18 p.m. Crane knocked on the door of the home of Zachary Jones, who he saw got up and turned off the lights in the room.

The report states that Crane gave “repeated and loud commands” to open the door, which Jones confirmed and then ignored.

Crane then kicked in the front door of the home, ordering him out of the home at gunpoint. According to the report, Serenelli handcuffed Jones and placed him in a patrol car, where he was then taken to the Girard Police Department to be booked and fingerprinted.

In a supplemental document to Serenelli’s report, Crane noted that Jones had owned a firearm at least two years ago. Crain added that Jones has a valid concealed carry license.

According to the report, Crane retrieved the gun found in a shoe box in Jones’ bedroom, a small Taurus .380 pistol with seven unexpended rounds.

Jones filed a complaint alleging that his 4th Amendment rights were violated by what he believed to be an illegal warrantless search of his home. He also filed a police report due to wrist injuries.

Jones was found guilty on Oct. 10 of assault and disorderly conduct charges. He was sentenced to 60 days of house arrest and ordered to pay fines and court costs. He must also be evaluated for anger management and mental health, as well as drug and alcohol abuse, according to Girard Municipal Court documents.

Crain and Serenelli will remain on paid leave pending the completion of an internal investigation.