Mayor Seeks ISP Review Of Incident Involving Warsaw Police Chief
WARSAW — Mayor Joe Thallemer has asked Indiana State Police to review an alleged incident involving Police Chief Scott Whitaker and a man.
The allegation came to light as a result of a report by ABC 57, a South Bend TV station, which contends Whitaker confronted a unnamed motorist who he believed might have been impaired.
According to a news release from the city, on Jan, 25, Whitaker was traveling in his personal car and was off duty when he encountered what appeared to be an impaired driver. He phoned Central Dispatch immediately and requested on-duty response. After the vehicle stopped, Whitaker initiated an investigation, a patrol arrived, and the incident was “managed to closure.”
There were no complaints reported or filed from the incident, the city statement said.
On Feb. 7, Thallemer was made aware of an anonymous allegation regarding the incident. Less than 24 hours later, the city notified Indiana State Police to review the incident.
Historically, whenever there is a question regarding the chief of police, ISP is notified to review the information and then conduct an investigation, if warranted.
“At this time, no details of the incident will be released pending review by the Indiana State Police,” the city statement said.
A spokesperson for the police department declined comment because the accusation is still being investigated.