OSWEGO – Today Mayor Billy Barlow announced that Department of Public Works Commissioner Thomas Kells has been fired from his position following a police investigation of an incident at the city’s Creepy Crawl event in October.
According to police, on October 30, 2021, members of the Oswego Police Department responded to a disturbance complaint along West Linear Park.
It was reported that several juveniles were being disruptive at the Creepy Crawl Halloween event. Initial investigation revealed one of the juveniles, a 13-year-old male sustained a bloody nose while being escorted out of the event. After multiple witness interviews and a thorough review of surveillance video, it was determined that the juvenile was struck by an adult as the juvenile was walking out of the event.
As a result of the investigation, Thomas Kells, age 51, of Scriba, New York, was arrested for Assault in the 3rd Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a child, Class A Misdemeanors.
Kells was processed and released with an appearance ticket returnable to the City of Oswego Court on January 6, 2022, at 9:30am.
“Unfortunately, during the City of Oswego’s Halloween Creepy Crawl event, there was an incident involving DPW Commissioner Tom Kells,” Barlow said. “First and foremost, I must apologize to the victim and his family for the incident that occurred. We put these events on to give children fun, exciting activities to enjoy. I am saddened this occurred during a city event by a city employee. As a result of the police investigation, yesterday I terminated Tom Kells’ employment with the city. I appreciate Tom’s contributions to the city and my administration, but right is right and wrong is wrong, and because of this incident, he is no longer part of city government.”
Correction: Barlow clarified that Kells was fired from his position yesterday, December 16, and arrested today, December 17.
missing or outdated ad config
Knew his Father well a Good man I’m sure the apple doe’s not fall from the tree. Hopeful GOD will be gracious in Tom’s behalf.
Not saying what happened was right but I am wondering what “punishment” the juvenile got for being a disruptive fool? … Everyone has a breaking point … it’s not the right thing to do but I can understand it …
Let’s punish the the people trying to do The Thing there parents are not and just keep tell our kids they can do whatever they want because they don’t have any parents guidance