Ellwood City Police Sergeant Demoted Suspended After Gas Station Altercation

Ellwood City police sergeant Robert Magnifico was demoted to patrolman and suspended for 10 days without pay following a physical altercation with a man inside a Sheetz convenience store, which was caught on video and widely shared on social media. The incident occurred in early June when Magnifico pushed the man to the ground during a confrontation, and the man was not charged. The borough council unanimously approved the disciplinary measures, which also include mandatory anger management and de-escalation training within six months. Magnifico, a 26-year veteran and the head football coach at Riverside High School, had been on paid administrative leave prior to the suspension. Mayor Anthony Court, who also heads the police department, emphasized the need for high professional standards among officers and expressed hope that the community can move forward. Public comments included support for Magnifico from a former player, but the council's decision stands with possible appeal by the police union.