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ST. JOHN — The town's Police Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to suspend Paige Hickenbottom for 30 days, starting immediately, for several violations of the department's rules.

Police Chief James Kveton originally sought Hickenbottom's termination from the force for violating 11 department rules. A public hearing on the charges against her was scheduled to be held July 29, but was canceled while the commission's lawyer, John Reed, negotiated with Hickenbottom and her lawyer. The suspension was the result.

The charges involved a March 19 report of a family disturbance. Hickenbottom, who recently completed her third year on the force, and another officer responded. Two brothers were having an argument, but the officers did not witness the argument, and the argument appeared resolved. Hickenbottom warned the two men that if police were called to the house again, someone would be arrested.

Police were called to the scene a half an hour later, and, upon arriving, Hickenbottom arrested one of the brothers, although she again did not witness the argument. The brother was taken to the Lake County Jail, but Hickenbottom's report on the incident did not include a probable cause for the arrest or elements of the crime charged. When questioned about her report by a superior officer, she allegedly became defensive and "sharp and disrespectful."