Police Chief Close to Retire

Bradford City Police Chief Mike Close is retiring Wednesday after being accused of assaulting a woman early Sunday morning.

State police say Close hit 36-year-old Amy Baker, causing minor injuries to her lower lip. Close then left the scene, but later turned himself in at District Judge Rich Luther's office, where he was arraigned on charges of simple assault and harassment. He's free on $5,000 bail.

Mayor Tom Riel told WESB and The HERO this morning that he's in no hurry to name a new chief, and it could be weeks if not months before a new chief is in place.

Close has been with the city police department for 20 years and has been chief since January 7, 2008.

Under his leadership, the department set up the Emergency Response Team, Street Crimes Unit and an anonymous tip line. He also helped the department get grant money for equipment including tasers, cameras, a polygraph machine, Segways and breathalyzers.

Close was also instrumental in making Bradford's National Night Out city-wide instead of a neighborhood event.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Looks like Mayor Riel sould worry about his own department.
Terry Wankel said…
I don't think that this should reflect on Riel. As much as I don't like him, this was beyond Riel's control. How are they supposed to know something like this prior to someone calling the police about it? They don't have mayor/police chief sleepovers.
Anonymous said…
sounds like you need to stop worrying about the mayor. why does everything lead back to the mayor? this could have easily been you or anyone you know.
Anonymous said…
Would anyone believe the chief of police could be with a woman who is guilty of battery. He did the right thing by leaving

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