Acquitted battalion chief seeks probe into his arrest

6/15/2002

A Toledo Fire Department battalion chief found not guilty of misdemeanor charges in two incidents involving his estranged wife has asked for an investigation into the Waterville Township Police Department's actions concerning his arrest.

In his request to township trustees, Eric Renzhofer alleges that he was falsely arrested for domestic violence in November at his home on Finzel Road near Whitehouse. Last month, a Maumee Municipal Court jury acquitted Mr. Renzhofer on one count each of domestic violence and violation of a temporary protection order.

Mr. Renzhofer, who stated that his reputation in fire service in Lucas County is tarnished because of the incidents, said yesterday that he wants an internal investigation into the actions of the arresting officer, Kate Hartle, and police Chief Bonnie Hearndon.

Mr. Renzhofer alleges that his civil rights were violated and that Officer Hartle and the police chief discriminated against him because he is a man.

Walter Celley, assistant solicitor for the township, said that an investigation into the matter will be conducted to determine if anything inappropriate occurred.