TIFFIN, Ohio — A Tiffin Police detective was charged with Operating a Vehicle while Under the Influence following a single-vehicle crash in the 200 block of Circular Street at approximately 10:07 p.m. on March 16, TiffinOhio.net has learned.
Officers responding to the scene determined that the vehicle had struck two parked cars, with airbags deployed on impact. The driver was identified as off-duty Detective Shawn Vallery. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, responding from the Norwalk post, collected a breath sample from Vallery that registered a blood alcohol concentration of .153 — nearly double the legal limit of .08.
Chief David Pauly told the Advertiser-Tribune he was notified of the incident immediately and directed the on-duty supervisor to request OSHP assistance to handle both the crash investigation and the suspected OVI offense.
“I was immediately notified of the incident and directed the on-duty supervisor to request assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol to handle both the crash investigation and the suspected Operating a Vehicle Impaired offense,” Pauly told the Advertiser-Tribune. “The decision was made to ensure a transparent, fair and unbiased investigation.”
The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office was also contacted, with a supervisor requested to respond to the scene, according to a TPD media summary for Case 26-002382 reviewed by TiffinOhio.net.
Vallery faces two charges: OVI under O.R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(D), a first-degree misdemeanor carrying six license points, and failure to control under O.R.C. 4511.202, a minor misdemeanor carrying two points, according to Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court records. He entered a not-guilty plea on March 20. His attorney, Dean Henry, filed an appeal of the Administrative License Suspension and a petition for driving privileges on March 23; driving privileges were granted on April 1.
Municipal Court Judge Rhonda Best recused herself from the case on March 20. Judge Robert Hart was subsequently assigned to preside, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for 1 p.m. April 24. Special Assistant Director of Law James Melle was appointed by the prosecutor.
The Tiffin Police Department’s internal investigation has since concluded. Pauly confirmed that departmental policy was violated and that “appropriate and significant disciplinary action has been taken,” according to the Advertiser-Tribune.
“Officer Vallery is a valued member of both this department and the community we serve,” Pauly said. “He made a serious mistake and will face the consequences of that mistake, both internally and through the criminal justice system. Let me be clear: I do not condone his actions. However, I also recognize that people are fallible, and Shawn Vallery is no exception. What matters moving forward is accountability and growth.”
Pauly added that Vallery “has acknowledged his actions and is willing to take the necessary corrective steps, both personally and professionally,” and said he stands with Vallery “as he works to be better.”
“Transparency, accountability, and fairness remain essential to maintaining the trust of our community,” Pauly said.
TIFFIN, Ohio — A Tiffin Police detective was charged with Operating a Vehicle while Under the Influence following a single vehicle crash in the 200 block of Circular Street at approximately 10:07 p.m. on March 16, TiffinOhio.net has learned. Officers responding to the scene determined that the vehicle had struck two parked cars, with airbags deployed on impact. The driver was identified as off duty Detective Shawn Vallery. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, responding from the Norwalk post, collected a breath sample from Vallery that registered a blood alcohol concentration of .153 — nearly double the legal limit of .08. Chief David Pauly told the Advertiser Tribune he was notified of the incident immediately and directed the on duty supervisor to request OSHP assistance to handle both the crash investigation and the suspected OVI offense. "I was immediately notified of the incident and directed the on duty supervisor to request assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol to handle both the crash investigation and the suspected Operating a Vehicle Impaired offense," Pauly told the Advertiser Tribune. "The decision was made to ensure a transparent, fair and unbiased investigation." The Seneca County Sheriff's Office was also contacted, with a supervisor requested to respond to the scene, according to a TPD media summary for Case 26 002382 reviewed by TiffinOhio.net. Vallery faces two charges: OVI under O.R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(D), a first degree misdemeanor carrying six license points, and failure to control under O.R.C. 4511.202, a minor misdemeanor carrying two points, according to Tiffin Fostoria Municipal Court records. He entered a not guilty plea on March 20. His attorney, Dean Henry, filed an appeal of the Administrative License Suspension and a petition for driving privileges on March 23; driving privileges were granted on April 1. Municipal Court Judge Rhonda Best recused herself from the case on March 20. Judge Robert Hart was subsequently assigned to preside, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for 1 p.m. April 24. Special Assistant Director of Law James Melle was appointed by the prosecutor. The Tiffin Police Department's internal investigation has since concluded. Pauly confirmed that departmental policy was violated and that "appropriate and significant disciplinary action has been taken," according to the Advertiser Tribune. "Officer Vallery is a valued member of both this department and the community we serve," Pauly said. "He made a serious mistake and will face the consequences of that mistake, both internally and through the criminal justice system. Let me be clear: I do not condone his actions. However, I also recognize that people are fallible, and Shawn Vallery is no exception. What matters moving forward is accountability and growth." Pauly added that Vallery "has acknowledged his actions and is willing to take the necessary corrective steps, both personally and professionally," and said he stands with Vallery "as he works to be better." "Transparency, accountability, and fairness remain essential to maintaining the trust of our community," Pauly said.
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