Algonquin cop suspended after domestic battery allegations

A veteran Algonquin police sergeant accused of domestic battery was suspended from the police force without pay Tuesday afternoon.

Sgt. Wade A. Merritt, 46, is accused of slapping the victim in the head - specifically the area around the left ear - to knock her to the floor during an argument in March inside his Crystal Lake home

Following his arrest, the department put Merritt on paid leave and confiscated his firearm. Information on Merritt's salary was not available Tuesday evening.

Police Chief Russ Laine recommended Merritt's unpaid suspension Tuesday afternoon during a special meeting of the three-member police commission.

The panel upheld Laine's recommendation, which accompanies a formal complaint seeking Merritt's termination.

Laine said it marked the first time the department has ever taken such action against a fellow officer.

"One of the issues is that he cannot perform the duties of a police officer because he cannot carry a gun, and the severity of the charges against him," Laine said.

Merritt has been with the department for 22 years and was overseeing its traffic unit.

He remains on unpaid leave, pending the outcome of his June 17 hearing before the police commission, Laine said.

Merritt declined to elaborate on the suspension, pointing to the advice of his attorney.

"Unfortunately at this time, I really can't (comment)," he said. "But there will come a time."

Merritt is due to appear in court on the domestic battery charge Tuesday May 19 and Wednesday, May 20.

Domestic battery is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.