close

Cumberland Township police chief cited for harassment

2 min read
article image -

The Cumberland Township police chief was cited for harassment following an incident that happened at a Waynesburg residence last month.

State police said that about 11:20 p.m. May 25, Bryan Keith Smith, 30, of Carmichaels, was at a residence at 94 E. Lincoln St., where he allegedly was arguing with a woman, Samantha Lawson.

Police said in reports that the argument turned physical, and Smith allegedly grabbed the woman by the arms and threw her on a bed.

Smith pleaded “not guilty” to the citation, and his summary trial is scheduled for 11 a.m. June 28 before District Judge David Balint. Lawson was not cited as of Thursday morning.

Smith did not return phone calls requesting comment this week. According to the township’s solicitor, Dennis Makel, the township has not put Smith on leave or taken any similar action against him.

“We’ve reviewed some of the facts and information that was provided to us by the victim,” Makel said. “What’s in the citation seems contrary to the statement we received from the victim that same night.”

Makel said the township will continue to monitor the court proceedings, but “at this time, it doesn’t appear any action should be taken.”

Smith, who grew up in Greensboro, was hired as a part-time police officer in September 2012, and became full-time in January 2014. He was hired as chief last year, after former Chief James Vogel resigned in August.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today