Pennsylvania’s top law enforcement official condemned Vandergrift police Officer William Moore’s conduct during a police call this month, saying the officer “should not be trusted” to carry out the duties of his job.
Footage of the April 17 incident that started inside G&G Restaurant was taken by a Black patron being questioned by Moore.
During the heated exchange that ended outside the restaurant, the patron accused Moore of racial profiling. Vandergrift police Chief Joe Caporali had said Moore was responding to a 911 call reporting that a Black man was smoking marijuana outside the restaurant.
In messages posted to his Twitter account Monday, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said Moore behaved unprofessionally.
“I’ve seen the unprofessional conduct by Vandergrift PA Officer William Moore, who cast aside the respect law enforcement must have for the people we serve when he harassed a man having lunch at a diner,” Shapiro wrote.
“While a local investigation is pending, given Moore’s prior assault and substance abuse issues, it’s clear to me he should not be trusted to uphold the responsibilities of being a police officer,” Shapiro added.
I've seen the unprofessional conduct by Vandergrift PA Officer William Moore, who cast aside the respect law enforcement must have for the people we serve when he harassed a man having lunch at a diner.
— AG Josh Shapiro (@PAAttorneyGen) April 26, 2021
While a local investigation is pending, given Moore’s prior assault and substance abuse issues, it’s clear to me he should not be trusted to uphold the responsibilities of being a police officer.
— AG Josh Shapiro (@PAAttorneyGen) April 26, 2021
Moore was placed on paid leave in 2017 after police said he assaulted and threatened a 14-year-old boy. Online court records show Moore pleaded guilty in Armstrong County Court to a summary count of harassment and paid a fine.
Shapiro’s office said the attorney general would not be available Tuesday for further comment.
Moore declined to comment when reached by phone.
Neither Vandergrift Mayor Barbara Turiak nor Chief Caporali returned messages.
Marcus Townsend, the customer who recorded video of the incident, could not be reached.
Moore, who has worked for the Vandergrift department for more than 20 years, was removed from the work schedule on April 19 and borough officials said an internal investigation would be conducted.
Officials haven’t commented publicly since. Moore is being paid while off the schedule.
