CLEVELAND — The off-duty Cleveland police officer who was arrested for allegedly firing a gunshot in an elementary school parking lot in Painesville Township yesterday has been relieved of duty and suspended without pay, according to a statement issued by Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy A. Todd.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will conduct the criminal investigation into Sergeant Alexander Sinclair, said Todd, and the Cleveland Police Internal Affairs Unit "will monitor the process to stay informed on the outcome of the criminal investigation." His future with the force will be decided "pending the adjudication of the criminal charges."
Sinclair was once seen as a rising star within the Cleveland Division of Police, serving briefly as the department's spokesperson, a high-profile role. He has been on the force since April 2015 and currently serves in the Fifth District's Basic Patrol Section.
What happened?
The Lake County Sheriff's Office arrested Sinclair after deputies alleged he fired a shot into a car window during a domestic dispute. A school resource officer was able to detain him after a struggle.
The incident prompted a lockdown at the school and postponed the school's Halloween parties.
Two nearby schools went into lockdown as first responders swarmed the scene in response, shaking up parents who quickly came to take their children home.
RELATED: Off-duty Cleveland police officer arrested for shot fired in Painesville Twp. elementary school parking lot
The court hearing
During his arraignment hearing in Painesville Municipal Court Friday morning, Sinclair pleaded not guilty to felony charges of felonious assault, discharge of a firearm, and two counts of kidnapping.
The judge denied bond for Sinclair after hearing from one of the alleged victims over the phone during the hearing.
The alleged victim also requested a temporary protection order for her and her children. Another alleged victim, a man, requested a civil stalking order. The judge granted both requests, despite Sinclair's objections to the top because it would forbid him from having contact with his children.
During the hearing, Sinclair asked the woman, "I understand this whole situation. If you could just give me an opportunity to talk to the kids at some point? I would just greatly appreciate it."
The alleged victim described how Sinclair followed her to the school following an argument at a nearby daycare.
After dropping off one of her children, she said Sinclair then rammed his vehicle into hers, which prevented her from leaving the school's parking lot.
She said Sinclair then got of his vehicle and "walked around the front of the car with his gun pointed at the window. He shot that firearm and it went through my windshield."
The bullet did not hit anyone.
Sinclair is currently scheduled for a pre-trial hearing in Painesville Municipal Court at 8 a.m. Monday morning.
