NewsLocal News

Actions

Couple fears for their safety after officer who threatened them goes back on duty

Posted at 5:52 PM, Dec 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-17 10:07:01-05

OAK CREEK — An on-duty Oak Creek police officer was caught on surveillance camera threatening his ex-wife's husband. Now, more than three months later, the couple says they fear for their safety after learning that officer is back to work.

Ring home surveillance video from 14 weeks ago shows a patrol vehicle come to a halt in front of the Oak Creek home of Jason and Andrea Billington.

Jason admits he flipped off officer Paul Hernon who is seen on video getting out in uniform and walking onto the front yard where he shouted threats at Jason, who is also his ex-wife's husband.

"Do you want to start something? Do you want to start something?" Officer Hernon said.

"Get off my property," replied Jason.

"He was armed and he definitely looked like he was on a mission," Jason said.

Jason said he didn't know at the time officer Hernon sent his step-daughter a message warning her parents not to be outside when he dropped off her backpack.

"If I made the wrong move, I don't think I'd be standing here right now," Jason said.

The Billingtons filed a complaint with Oak Creek police about the altercation and showed them the video evidence.

An Oak Creek police supervisor sent TODAY'S TMJ4 a statement that reads in part, "The Department did conduct a complete and thorough investigation into this matter. This matter and the outcome were handled in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Oak Creek Police Department."

An Oak Creek police union attorney said officer Hernon didn't fight the discipline he received.

Andrea said she had to learn through her daughter that officer Hernon is back on duty after several weeks of paid administrative leave.

"We have five children who live in the house with us who now are just, we're all just sitting ducks essentially for when he decides he's going to lose his cool again," Andrea said.

TODAY'S TMJ4 filed an open records request to learn exactly what disciplinary action officer Hernon received. The city has yet to respond.