Court Appearance Postponed For Police Commissioner Arrested By His Own Officers In Mount Vernon

Harris, who was reappointed by acting Mayor Andrew Wallace on this week, was arrested during his first day on the job while attempting to enter police headquarters and he was reportedly charged with criminal trespassing.

Harris had been scheduled to make a court appearance on Thursday, July 18, but that court date was postponed because no formal charges have officially been filed, according to his lawyer.

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, Jr.’s office announced that it has opted against filing charges, and Harris is currently working to clear the appearance ticket that was issued when he was arrested.

The latest incident is the latest in a two-week saga as Wallace and Mayor Richard Thomas continue battling over who is in charge at City Hall.

On Monday, July 8, Thomas pleaded guilty to fourth-degree attempted grand larceny and second-degree offering a false statement for filing. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to resign from office as of Monday, Sept. 30.

Two days later, on Wednesday, July 10, the Mount Vernon City Council unanimously voted on legislation to remove Thomas from office immediately, giving him 24 hours to vacate City Hall. City Council President Andre Wallace was named the interim mayor, while Councilwoman Janice Duarte became the council president.

However, it has remained unclear to city employees and residents alike who is actually in charge of Mount Vernon as the two continue to debate. Thomas has steadfastly insisted he remains the mayor, while Wallace unofficially took over as acting mayor on Friday, July 12.

Harris was the deputy commissioner of parking when Thomas appointed him acting police commissioner in the spring of 2016. He was then named commissioner in January 2018.

In March, Thomas unexpectedly ousted Harris from his position, announcing that he had been “released” as of March 13. He was replaced temporarily by Mount Vernon Lt. Robert Scott. There were no details released about why Harris was let go.

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