Mount Vernon Police Chief Fired Amidst Conflicting Accounts and Prior Controversy

Mount Vernon, AL (BuzzReport)-Mount Vernon’s Chief of Police, Eric Pettway, was dismissed from his duties this morning, a development he asserts came without a formal termination letter or any stated reason from the town. This departure marks a significant shift in the town’s police leadership.

Mount Vernon Mayor Eric Peoples, however, presented a differing perspective. He indicated that Chief Pettway was not fired, but rather an agreement was reached between Pettway and the Town Council to pursue a new operational direction. The specifics of this new direction currently remain undisclosed.

This leadership change follows closely on a investigation three weeks prior, which brought to light leaked body camera and surveillance footage. The video appeared to depict Officer Newman Brazier deploying a Taser, using pepper spray, and dragging a handcuffed individual during an incident on May 10.

Chief Pettway has previously stated that Mayor Peoples gained immediate awareness of Brazier’s actions following the May 10 incident but reportedly precluded the Chief from disciplinary action against the officer. Mayor Peoples maintains that the incident involving Officer Brazier remains under investigation and that the officer continues his employment within the department.

The timing of this personnel decision, occurring just weeks after revelations about alleged misconduct within the police department, has prompted considerable local discussion.