“The facts of the incident revealed the treatment of the arrestee was not in compliance with division policies, and the amount of force used in the incident was more than reasonably necessary for the circumstances,” Lightner said in the release.
In addition to the suspension, Reckner also received a written reprimand and must undergo a psychological evaluation to determine his fitness for duty, police said.
According to a 2007 employee performance evaluation, Reckner had “a tendency to allow his emotions to take over and cloud his better judgment.”
A review of Reckner’s personnel file shows he received mostly positive reviews from his supervisors at the Huber Heights Police Division.
Reckner did face discipline several times, including two verbal warnings, two letters of counseling and a written warning, according to his file.
In 2016, Reckner received a written warning and was told he “should not have made any public and insolent/disrespectful comments about other officers nor publicly criticize them,” Lt. Tony Ashley said in the written warning.
“It was inappropriate and unnecessary,” Ashley stated.
Huber Heights police released cruiser camera footage last week of the December traffic stop that led to the investigation.
The incident began with two Huber Heights police officers assisting a motorist in the 4300 block of Taylorsville Road. Officers, both in marked Huber Heights police cruisers, had their overhead lights activated while helping the stranded motorist, police said.
“While on the scene, a driver approached from the opposite direction, crossed over the center line and struck an officer in his leg,” Lightner said in the release. “The driver failed to stop and nearly struck the second officer as they left the scene.”
Police pursued the vehicle until it came to a stop in the 4500 block of Taylorsville Road. There the driver, Renee Shippy, 50, of Huber Heights, was taken into custody. Police noted Shippy appeared intoxicated, had difficulty speaking and standing, and was taken to police headquarters for processing, Lightner said.
She was charged with OVI, driving left of center and for leaving the scene of an accident. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Shippy complained of an arm injury and was taken to a medical facility for evaluation. Police said because of the injury, a shift supervisor began a review of the incident.
A police report from the incident revealed Shippy suffered a broken arm.
An internal investigation was launched and later found Reckner was in violation of the department’s rules for courtesy, treatment of persons in custody and use of force, Lightner said.
Reckner was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the required disciplinary process. Reckner will face discipline following due process, Lightner said.
“The city and police division maintain strict policies to ensure citizens are treated fairly and professionally,” Lightner said. “Any time these policies are violated, an established and competent process is followed to make sure the facts are determined, and employees are held accountable to the highest level. This incident will be no exception.”
A pre-disciplinary hearing for Reckner took place Monday.
Reckner was placed on paid leave Feb. 15.
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