Former Chesapeake cop sues over firing

CHARLESTON - A former Chesapeake police officer is alleging his release from the department was improper.

The City of Chesapeake is named as a defendant in a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by Brandon Ross. In his complaint filed Feb. 14 in Kanawha Circuit Court, Ross alleges city officials used an on-the-job injury he sustained last year as a reason to get rid of him.

According to his suit, Ross joined CPD on an unspecified day. After sustaining an unspecified “work-related injury” on Jan. 3, 2012, Ross says he was “given a release from work.”

Ten days later, Ross was fired from CPD by Chief Jack Ice. The firing, Ross says, was “clearly pretextual and retaliatory” as prior to then he was “never subject to any suspension, revocations or demotions.”

Along with wrongful termination, Ross makes claims against the city for retaliatory discharge, negligent infliction of emotional distress and violation of the state Municipal Police Protection statute.

Ross seeks unspecified damages, interest, court costs and attorneys fees. He is represented by Charleston attorney J.B. Akers.

The case is assigned to Judge Carrie Webster.

Kanawha Circuit Court, case number 13-C-303