Collegedale police officer cleared of allegations that he was having sex in public

photo Collegedale police officer Cpl. Matt Spears

A Collegedale police officer has been cleared of allegations that he was having sex in public after an internal affairs report determined he was kissing his wife.

The investigation was opened after Chattanooga police officers reported finding a woman sitting on Cpl. Matt Spears' lap inside a sport utility vehicle in the parking lot of the Samaritan Center.

Spears told investigators he got in the sport utility vehicle with his wife after he got off duty, according to the report. He was still in uniform, and his marked patrol car was parked beside the SUV.

He and his wife stated that they were kissing, but that no clothing was removed.

"There was a display of affection between the two, but no nudity was involved or anything other than kissing that would have been visible to anyone around," Collegedale City Manager Ted Rogers said.

Attempts to reach Spears Monday at the Collegedale Police Department were unsuccessful.

Because the two were in a public parking lot and it was late at night, Rogers said Spears "should have used better judgment in this situation."

"We've had a very stern talk with him," Rogers said.

Rogers said no additional discipline would be leveled against Spears.

Contact staff writer Kate Harrison at kharrison@times freepress.com or 423-757-6673.

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