NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - Newton Falls Mayor, Ken Kline broke a tie vote to terminate the Police Chief.

The city brought four charges against Fixler alleging neglect of duty. The city accused Fixler of being over budget, but presented no figures.

Fixler testified in 2020 that costs went up due to COVID-19 cases due to overtime. City Council voted that Fixler was guilty of two complaints, but was not guilty on two of the charges.

In spite of that, on a vote to terminate Fixler, there was a tie with two voting to retain him and two voting to fire him. 

Newton Falls Mayor, Ken Kline cast the vote to terminate Fixler. Fixler's attorney says he will appeal this ruling.

In October, Fixler was placed on paid administrative leave for 30 days pending a full investigation from the police department. 

Investigation revealed a several examples of concern including Fixler's handling of an incident involving an individual who was possibly impaired among others.

However, Fixler had no authority to stop the man from driving since the complaint about the driver was from Portage County.

Legally, Fixler and all other Newton Falls officers can only make arrests in their jurisdiction. The only exception is if a crime starts in Newton Falls, the officers could follow the suspect into another jurisdiction.

The city presented evidence stating that Fixler should not have hired a Trumbull County Deputy who patrolled the Newton Township area, and began his career in law enforcement at the Newton Falls City Police Department.

The city said Fixler should have conducted a background check, however Fixler testified he knew the deputy for about nine years and knew his background.

Fixler did not comment due to the pending appeal. His attorney said during the open hearing that Fixler requested that this is a "witch hunt" and the decision will be appealed within 10 days to the Trumbull Common Pleas Court.

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