Salem patrolman reprimanded for accident

SALEM - Patrolman Steve LaRosa, whose parked Salem police cruiser was struck by a Norfolk Southern train last weekend, will receive an internal written reprimand for his actions.

Police Chief Robert Floor said Friday after receiving the report from the State Highway Patrol and learning LaRosa would not be cited in the incident, Floor believed the internal discipline was appropriate and the matter is concluded.

The report at the highway patrol Lisbon office said the investigating trooper consulted on Wednesday with the county prosecutor's office and it was determined that no charges would be filed.

According to the patrol report and a written statement included in the report by LaRosa, the patrolman had parked the patrol car between the east and westbound tracks in the early morning hours Sunday. He had been asked by Perry Township police to assist blocking a man on a four-wheeler that was stuck on the tracks, but still heading eastbound toward South Lincoln Avenue.

LaRosa got out of the patrol car and ran toward the Perry Township officer trying to stop the four-wheeler. Due to the differing frequencies in hand-held radios between the two departments, LaRosa was not aware the man had already been apprehended. Sgt. Chris Gallo told LaRosa to have train traffic shut off, but a few minutes later a westbound train struck the cruiser.

LaRosa, who has been with the department more than a year, was recently taken off his probationary period new hires go through.

djohnson@mojonews.com