Fullerton Delays Naming New Police Chief

Predecessor stepped down after the Kelly Thomas beating scandal

FULLERTON, Calif. – This city will go without a permanent police chief for awhile.

Early Wednesday morning, more than six hours after the City Council meeting began, the panel voted 3-2 to table the issue instead of moving forward and promoting Capt. Dan Hughes – acting chief for much of the time since the police beating of Kelly Thomas and who seemingly has brought a calm to the Police Department.

Dozens of residents and others packed the City Council Chambers for the vote, most imploring the panel to appoint Hughes as the permanent chief. About three hours of discussion was spent on the chief's position.