Vandergrift officer once suspended over alleged racial incident retires

A Vandergrift police officer suspended last year for his conduct on the job involving a patron at a local restaurant is no longer on the force.

Officer William Moore submitted his retirement to council Feb. 7.

“Council accepted it (retirement) at the last meeting. I have no details,” Vandergrift Mayor Lenny Collini said via text message.

Moore confirmed he’s currently on a disability leave, but declined to comment on his last day of service or why he’s retiring.

Borough Secretary Steve DelleDonne also confirmed Thursday morning the news of Moore’s notice of retirement, but had no further details.

Moore, 53, was hired in 2000.

Moore was initially placed on paid leave last year while borough officials investigated an incident with a customer at G&G Restaurant on Columbia Avenue in Vandergrift.

Moore responded to a Westmoreland County 911 call on April 17, 2021, reporting that a Black male was smoking marijuana outside the eatery.

The Black male dining at G&G was identified as Vandergrift resident Marcus Townsend and he posted a video of his encounter with Moore.

During the heated exchange that spilled onto the sidewalk outside the restaurant, Townsend accused Moore of racial profiling.

Townsend was not charged with any crime.

He was placed on an unpaid suspension on June 8 by council after an internal investigation. Moore was reinstated to duty in mid-July.

No charges were filed against Moore.

Borough hiring more police officers

The borough maintains eight full-time police officers and is currently reviewing applications, with plans to hire two more.

In addition to Moore’s departure, Officer Christian Disciscio quit to join the Washington Township Police Department. Disciscio’s last day on the job was Feb. 15. and he been on the force two years.

Vandergrift Police Chief Joe Caporali said council hopes to hire new officers in March.

“We have five part-time officers now and we’re trying to move things quickly along to get back to a full staff as soon as possible,” Caporali said. “Overtime is taking a toll on our full-time officers.”