A local mom is petitioning to have an officer removed from the St. Paris police department, although the chief said he did nothing wrong.

April Roderick said she became concerned about Officer Robert McConnell’s conduct when her daughter was arrested Oct. 27. According to a police report, 18-year-old Amber Roderick was charged with failure to comply, obstruction and speeding after she was allegedly found speeding near the intersection of U.S. 36 and Main Street in St. Paris.

The officer said he turned on his lights and sirens but the teen failed to stop. The vehicle was later located in the Paris Court West mobile home park.

According to police, Amber Roderick and her family initially denied she was driving the vehicle, but she was identified by McConnell as the driver and booked into the Tri-County Jail. Her father was subsequently charged with obstruction for denying his daughter’s involvement, according to the report.

Believing Amber Roderick didn’t see the officer, April Roderick said as a first-time offender, her daughter was treated too harshly and the incident was blown out of proportion.

After posting on Facebook about the incident and receiving more than 100 comments, April Roderick began circulating a petition to remove McConnell from the police department.

Within two days, she’s received 50 signatures. April Roderick said she would be satisfied if he received training or some sort of disciplinary action.

“It’s not just me,” she said. “This officer needs counseling or retraining.”

Village Police Chief Jim Pence said he has received several complaints regarding McConnell, but most involve citations issued.

“He’s writing a lot of tickets and I think that’s what got a lot of people upset,” he said. “He’s doing his job. He’s doing what he’s supposed to be doing.”

McConnell joined the department six months ago as a part-time officer, but has picked up more hours due to a job opening, Pence said. He’s made several arrests, including drug busts, since he was hired.

The issues have been discussed, but Pence said no disciplinary action has been taken. Pence said he felt McConnell’s conduct has been justified.

“He’s a young officer and he’ll get there,” Pence said. “(April Roderick) can present that (petition) to council. That’s her right and we’ll go from there on what we can do.”

April Roderick said she plans to file the petition with the council at its 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 meeting.