http://www.timesunion.com/news/crime/article/Virginia-police-chief-retires-after-criticism-12439372.php
Virginia police chief retires after criticism over rally
Updated 7:13 pm, Monday, December 18, 2017
Protestors rally on Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower ahead of President Donald Trump's arrival, August 14, 2017 in New York City.
See more signs from protests from around the country since the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia...
lessProtestors rally on Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower ahead of President Donald Trump's arrival, August 14, 2017 in New York City.
See more signs from protests from around the country since the violence in
... moreProtestors rally on Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower ahead of President Donald Trump's arrival, August 14, 2017 in New York City.
Protestors rally on Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower ahead of President Donald Trump's arrival, August 14, 2017 in New York City.
A protester with a costume holds a banner reading "No War No Hate" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, United States on August 14, 2017.
lessA protester with a costume holds a banner reading "No War No Hate" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan
... moreLarissa Roberts holds up a sign as hundreds of protesters gather to march against racism in Oakland, California on August 12, 2017. Protesters marched on the streets of Oakland in response to a series of violent clashes that erupted at a white-nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia earlier in the day that left at least one dead and dozens injured.
lessLarissa Roberts holds up a sign as hundreds of protesters gather to march against racism in Oakland, California on August 12, 2017. Protesters marched on the streets of Oakland in response to a series of
... moreDemonstrators hold signs outside of the White House on August 13, 2017 in Washington, DC, during a vigil in response to the death of a counter-protestor in the August 12th "Unite the Right" in Charlottesville, Virginia.
lessDemonstrators hold signs outside of the White House on August 13, 2017 in Washington, DC, during a vigil in response to the death of a counter-protestor in the August 12th "Unite the Right" in Charlottesville,
... moreBowie Baker, 2, of South Portland holds a sign while Bailey Hamm, 14, and Greta Dudley Weiss, 5, both of Portland listen to speakers at an event, called "Portland Maine Stands in Solidarity with Charlottesville" is held to condemn racism is held in Portland following violence that broke out in Charlottesville, VA at a white supremacist rally. The event was also to honor people who killed and injured while protesting the rally.
lessBowie Baker, 2, of South Portland holds a sign while Bailey Hamm, 14, and Greta Dudley Weiss, 5, both of Portland listen to speakers at an event, called "Portland Maine Stands in Solidarity with
... moreA demonstrator holds a sign during a protest against hate, white supremacy groups and President Donald Trump on Sunday, August 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois.
A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest against hate, white supremacy groups and President Donald Trump on Sunday, August 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois.
Protestors hand out free pizza as they rally on Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower ahead of President Donald Trump's arrival, August 14, 2017 in New York City.
Protestors hand out free pizza as they rally on Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower ahead of President Donald Trump's arrival, August 14, 2017 in New York City.
A woman holds a placard during the 'Stand up to Racism' protest outside the US Embassy in London on August 14, 2017. Anti-racism group stages protest outside the US Embassy following the murder of activist Heather Heyer at a counter-protest to a far-right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Saturday.
lessA woman holds a placard during the 'Stand up to Racism' protest outside the US Embassy in London on August 14, 2017. Anti-racism group stages protest outside the US Embassy following the murder of activist
... moreA demonstrator carries a sign with a Martin Luther King Jr. quote near Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago in solidarity with the victims of the recent racist violence in Charlottesville, Va., in Chicago on August 15, 2017.
lessA demonstrator carries a sign with a Martin Luther King Jr. quote near Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago in solidarity with the victims of the recent racist violence in Charlottesville, Va., in
... moreA protester holds a banner reading "The KKK and Neo-Nazi Are Domestic Terrorists" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, the United States on August 14, 2017.
lessA protester holds a banner reading "The KKK and Neo-Nazi Are Domestic Terrorists" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower
... moreA protester holds a banner reading "White Silence Equals Death" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, the United States on August 14, 2017.
lessA protester holds a banner reading "White Silence Equals Death" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan
... moreA protester holds a banner reading "Yes Peace Yes Love" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, United States on August 14, 2017.
lessA protester holds a banner reading "Yes Peace Yes Love" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of
... moreA protester holds a banner reading "Hate Has No Home Here" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, the United States on August 14, 2017.
lessA protester holds a banner reading "Hate Has No Home Here" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough
... moreProtesters hold banners reading "We Are Many They Are Few" and "Heather Heyer" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, the United States on August 14, 2017.
lessProtesters hold banners reading "We Are Many They Are Few" and "Heather Heyer" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in
... moreProtesters hold banners reading "James Fields Drove The Car But Steve Bannon Gave Him The Keys" and "Donald Trump Was Behind The Wheel In Charlottesville" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, United States on August 14, 2017.
lessProtesters hold banners reading "James Fields Drove The Car But Steve Bannon Gave Him The Keys" and "Donald Trump Was Behind The Wheel In Charlottesville" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump
... moreA protester holds a banner reading "No Hate - No War - No Trump" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, United States on August 14, 2017.
lessA protester holds a banner reading "No Hate - No War - No Trump" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan
... moreA protester holds a banner reading "We The People Say No" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, United States on August 14, 2017.
lessA protester holds a banner reading "We The People Say No" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of
... moreProtesters hold banners during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, United States on August 14, 2017.
lessProtesters hold banners during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, United States on August
... morePeople gather to stage a demonstration as they hold placards during the 'Stand up to Racism' protest outside the US Embassy in London on August 14, 2017. Anti-racism group stages protest outside the US Embassy following the murder of activist Heather Heyer at a counter-protest to a far-right during recent protests in Charlottesville, Virginia.
lessPeople gather to stage a demonstration as they hold placards during the 'Stand up to Racism' protest outside the US Embassy in London on August 14, 2017. Anti-racism group stages protest outside the US Embassy
... moreA man holds up a sign during a protest against racism gathered in front of the White House, on August 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Today President Trump called out white nationalist groups by name following heavy criticism that his initial statement did not condemn racist groups that rallied in Charlottesville last weekend.
lessA man holds up a sign during a protest against racism gathered in front of the White House, on August 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Today President Trump called out white nationalist groups by name following
... moreA protester holds a banner reading "Hate Is Choice Of The Weak" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, United States on August 14, 2017.
lessA protester holds a banner reading "Hate Is Choice Of The Weak" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan
... moreA protester holds a banner reading "No - Hate, Nazis, War" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough of New York, United States on August 14, 2017.
lessA protester holds a banner reading "No - Hate, Nazis, War" during a rally against U.S. President Donald J. Trump for threating North Korea and Venezuela with attacking next to Trump Tower in Manhattan borough
... morePeople hold banners during a protest in response to violence erupting at the white supremacist rally those organized by racist and nationalist groups in Charlottesville, at Federal Plaza Square in New York, United States on August 14, 2017.
lessPeople hold banners during a protest in response to violence erupting at the white supremacist rally those organized by racist and nationalist groups in Charlottesville, at Federal Plaza Square in New York,
... morePeople hold banners during a protest in response to violence erupting at the white supremacist rally those organized by racist and nationalist groups in Charlottesville, at Federal Plaza Square in New York, United States on August 14, 2017.
lessPeople hold banners during a protest in response to violence erupting at the white supremacist rally those organized by racist and nationalist groups in Charlottesville, at Federal Plaza Square in New York,
... moreA sign is seen as people gathered in front of the White House to hold a vigil on Sunday, August 13, 2017, in Washington, D.C., a day after the violence in Charlottesville, VA.
A sign is seen as people gathered in front of the White House to hold a vigil on Sunday, August 13, 2017, in Washington, D.C., a day after the violence in Charlottesville, VA.
A vigil/demonstration takes place by the Unite Against Fascism (UAF) to show solidarity with anti-fascists, outside the American Embassy on August 14, 2017 in London, England. Heather Heyer has been killed a couple of days before in Charlottesville when a car driven by a white supremacist plowed into the anti-fascist protest.
lessA vigil/demonstration takes place by the Unite Against Fascism (UAF) to show solidarity with anti-fascists, outside the American Embassy on August 14, 2017 in London, England. Heather Heyer has been killed a
... moreVigil/demonstration takes place by the Unite Against Fascism (UAF) to show solidarity with anti-fascists, outside the American Embassy on August 14, 2017 in London, England.
Vigil/demonstration takes place by the Unite Against Fascism (UAF) to show solidarity with anti-fascists, outside the American Embassy on August 14, 2017 in London, England.
A demonstrator holds a banner reading "Only One Side Love" during a protest in response to violence erupting at the rally in Charlottesville, at Federal Plaza Square in Chicago, United States on August 13, 2017.
lessA demonstrator holds a banner reading "Only One Side Love" during a protest in response to violence erupting at the rally in Charlottesville, at Federal Plaza Square in Chicago, United States on August 13,
... moreA demonstrator holds a banner reading "Hate Has No Home Here - Love Will Win" during a protest in response to violence erupting at the rally in Charlottesville, at Federal Plaza Square in Chicago, United States on August 13, 2017.
lessA demonstrator holds a banner reading "Hate Has No Home Here - Love Will Win" during a protest in response to violence erupting at the rally in Charlottesville, at Federal Plaza Square in Chicago, United States
... morePeople hold banners during a protest in response to violence erupting at the rally in Charlottesville, at Federal Plaza Square in Chicago, United States on August 13, 2017.
People hold banners during a protest in response to violence erupting at the rally in Charlottesville, at Federal Plaza Square in Chicago, United States on August 13, 2017.
People light candles in the form of a peace sign in front of the White House on August 13, 2017 in Washington, DC for a vigil in response to the death of a counter-protestor in the August 12th "Unite the Right" rally the turned violent in Charlottesville, Virginia. A woman died and 19 injured in the city of Charlottesville when a car plowed into a crowd of people after a rally by Ku Klux Klan members and other white nationalists turned violent. Two state police officers died in a helicopter crash near the area.
lessPeople light candles in the form of a peace sign in front of the White House on August 13, 2017 in Washington, DC for a vigil in response to the death of a counter-protestor in the August 12th "Unite the Right"
... morePeople hold banners during a protest in response to violence erupting at the white supremacist rally those organized by racist and nationalist groups in Charlottesville, at Federal Plaza Square in New York, United States on August 14, 2017.
lessPeople hold banners during a protest in response to violence erupting at the white supremacist rally those organized by racist and nationalist groups in Charlottesville, at Federal Plaza Square in New York,
... moreNancy Anderson of Cumberland holds up a sign at an event, called "Portland Maine Stands in Solidarity with Charlottesville" is held to condemn racism is held in Portland following violence that broke out in Charlottesville, VA at a white supremacist rally.
lessNancy Anderson of Cumberland holds up a sign at an event, called "Portland Maine Stands in Solidarity with Charlottesville" is held to condemn racism is held in Portland following violence that broke out in
... moreA woman holds a sign remembering Heather Heyer during a demonstration on August 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Heyer was killed and 19 others were injured yesterday in Charlottesville, Virginia when a car plowed into a group of activists who were preparing to march in opposition to a nearby white nationalist rally.
lessA woman holds a sign remembering Heather Heyer during a demonstration on August 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Heyer was killed and 19 others were injured yesterday in Charlottesville, Virginia when a car
... morePeople hold signs at a vigil August 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois for the victims in the previous day's violent clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia. Protesters were responding to violent clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia after three people were killed and several injured.
lessPeople hold signs at a vigil August 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois for the victims in the previous day's violent clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia. Protesters were responding to violent clashes in
... moreA womn holds a sign for Heather Heyer during vigil August 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois for the victims in the previous day's violent clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia. Heather Heyer, 32, was killed and 19 people injured in the city of Charlottesville when a car plowed into a crowd of people after a rally by Ku Klux Klan members and other white nationalists turned violent. Two state police officers died in a helicopter crash near the area.
lessA womn holds a sign for Heather Heyer during vigil August 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois for the victims in the previous day's violent clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia. Heather Heyer, 32, was killed and 19
... moreA demonstrator carries a sign remembering Heather Heyer during a protest on August 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Heyer was killed and 19 others were injured yesterday in Charlottesville, Virginia when a car plowed into a group of activists who were preparing to march in opposition to a nearby white nationalist rally.
lessA demonstrator carries a sign remembering Heather Heyer during a protest on August 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Heyer was killed and 19 others were injured yesterday in Charlottesville, Virginia when a car
... moreDemonstrators hold signs outside of the White House on August 13, 2017 in Washington, DC, during a vigil in response to the death of a counter-protestor in the August 12th "Unite the Right" in Charlottesville, Virginia. A woman died and 19 people were injured in the city of Charlottesville when a car plowed into a crowd of people after a rally by Ku Klux Klan members and other white nationalists turned violent.
lessDemonstrators hold signs outside of the White House on August 13, 2017 in Washington, DC, during a vigil in response to the death of a counter-protestor in the August 12th "Unite the Right" in Charlottesville,
... moreDemonstrators hold signs outside of the White House on August 13, 2017 in Washington, DC, during a vigil in response to the death of a counter-protestor in the August 12th "Unite the Right" in Charlottesville, Virginia. A woman died and 19 people were injured in the city of Charlottesville when a car plowed into a crowd of people after a rally by Ku Klux Klan members and other white nationalists turned violent.
lessDemonstrators hold signs outside of the White House on August 13, 2017 in Washington, DC, during a vigil in response to the death of a counter-protestor in the August 12th "Unite the Right" in Charlottesville,
... moreProtesters carry anti-white supremacy signs during the Unite the Right free speech rally at Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA on August 12, 2017. (Photo by Emily Molli/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
lessProtesters carry anti-white supremacy signs during the Unite the Right free speech rally at Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA on August 12, 2017. (Photo by Emily Molli/NurPhoto via Getty
... moreFree speech demonstrators march holding flags and banners during the Unite the Right free speech rally at Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA on August 12, 2017.
Free speech demonstrators march holding flags and banners during the Unite the Right free speech rally at Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA on August 12, 2017.
Protesters carry a banner while taking part in a march against racism in Oakland, California on August 12, 2017. Protesters marched on the streets of Oakland in response to a series of violent clashes that erupted at a white-nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia earlier in the day that left at least one dead and dozens injured.
lessProtesters carry a banner while taking part in a march against racism in Oakland, California on August 12, 2017. Protesters marched on the streets of Oakland in response to a series of violent clashes that
... moreA protester shouts slogans while holding a banner as US President George W. Bush speaks during an Independence Day celebration and naturalization ceremony on the West Lawn of Monticello, the estate of former US president Thomas Jefferson, on July 4, 2008 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
lessA protester shouts slogans while holding a banner as US President George W. Bush speaks during an Independence Day celebration and naturalization ceremony on the West Lawn of Monticello, the estate of former US
... moreA counter-protester holds up a sign before a Ku Klux Klan rally, calling for the protection of Southern Confederate monuments, in Charlottesville, Virginia on July 8, 2017. The afternoon rally in this quiet university town has been authorized by officials in Virginia and stirred heated debate in America, where critics say the far right has been energized by Donald Trump's election to the presidency.
lessA counter-protester holds up a sign before a Ku Klux Klan rally, calling for the protection of Southern Confederate monuments, in Charlottesville, Virginia on July 8, 2017. The afternoon rally in this quiet
... moreCounter protesters shout at members of the Ku Klux Klan during a rally, calling for the protection of Southern Confederate monuments, in Charlottesville, Virginia on July 8, 2017. The afternoon rally in this quiet university town has been authorized by officials in Virginia and stirred heated debate in America, where critics say the far right has been energized by Donald Trump's election to the presidency.
lessCounter protesters shout at members of the Ku Klux Klan during a rally, calling for the protection of Southern Confederate monuments, in Charlottesville, Virginia on July 8, 2017. The afternoon rally in this
... moreActivists and protesters gesture at a man wearing a confederate flag before a KKK rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on July 8, 2017. Supporters of the white supremacist Ku Klux Klan gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia on Saturday to protest the planned removal of a statue of General Robert E. Lee, who oversaw Confederate forces in the US Civil War.
lessActivists and protesters gesture at a man wearing a confederate flag before a KKK rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on July 8, 2017. Supporters of the white supremacist Ku Klux Klan gathered in
... moreProtesters use their banners to block the view of victims injured when a car plowed through a crowd of demonstrators marching through the downtown shopping district August 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Protesters use their banners to block the view of victims injured when a car plowed through a crowd of demonstrators marching through the downtown shopping district August 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
A woman raises her fist at the front of a march down Washington Avenue to protest racism and the violence over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 14, 2017 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
A woman raises her fist at the front of a march down Washington Avenue to protest racism and the violence over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 14, 2017 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
People march down Washington Avenue to protest racism and the violence over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 14, 2017 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
People march down Washington Avenue to protest racism and the violence over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 14, 2017 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Hundreds of protesters gather outside of Trump Tower along Fifth Avenue on August 14, 2017 in New York City.
Hundreds of protesters gather outside of Trump Tower along Fifth Avenue on August 14, 2017 in New York City.
Hundreds of protesters gather outside of Trump Tower along Fifth Avenue on August 14, 2017 in New York City.
Hundreds of protesters gather outside of Trump Tower along Fifth Avenue on August 14, 2017 in New York City.
Hundreds of protesters gather outside of Trump Tower along Fifth Avenue on August 14, 2017 in New York City.
Hundreds of protesters gather outside of Trump Tower along Fifth Avenue on August 14, 2017 in New York City.
Hundreds of protesters gather outside of Trump Tower along Fifth Avenue on August 14, 2017 in New York City.
Hundreds of protesters gather outside of Trump Tower along Fifth Avenue on August 14, 2017 in New York City.
People march down Washington Avenue to protest racism and the violence over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 14, 2017 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
People march down Washington Avenue to protest racism and the violence over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 14, 2017 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Supporters of anti-Trump protestors hold up signs inside Trump Tower ahead of President Donald Trump's arrival, August 14, 2017 in New York City.
Supporters of anti-Trump protestors hold up signs inside Trump Tower ahead of President Donald Trump's arrival, August 14, 2017 in New York City.
Hundreds of protesters gather outside of Trump Tower along Fifth Avenue on August 14, 2017 in New York City.
Hundreds of protesters gather outside of Trump Tower along Fifth Avenue on August 14, 2017 in New York City.
People protesting against racism gather in front of the White House, on August 14, 2017 in Washington, DC.
People protesting against racism gather in front of the White House, on August 14, 2017 in Washington, DC.
People protesting against racism gather in front of the White House, on August 14, 2017 in Washington, DC.
People protesting against racism gather in front of the White House, on August 14, 2017 in Washington, DC.
The first African-American police chief of Charlottesville, Virginia, abruptly resigned Monday, about two weeks after a scathing independent review criticized his "slow-footed response" to violence at a white nationalist rally this summer.
In a brief statement, the city did not give a reason for Chief Al Thomas' departure, which was effective immediately.
"Nothing in my career has brought me more pride than serving as the police chief for the city of Charlottesville," Thomas said in the statement. "I will be forever grateful for having had the opportunity to protect and serve a community I love so dearly."
Earlier this month, a former federal prosecutor hired by the city released a report that was sharply critical of Thomas and other law enforcement officials.
The report from former U.S. Attorney Tim Heaphy said Thomas' response was "disappointingly passive" as the violence began to escalate on Aug. 12, the day of the "Unite the Right" rally that drew hundreds of white nationalists from across the county. A woman was killed that day when a car plowed into a crowd of people who were peacefully protesting.
According to the report, as brawling broke out between rally attendees and counterprotesters, Thomas said, "Let them fight, it will make it easier to declare an unlawful assembly."
FOX 5's Cori Coffin reports.
Media: Fox5DCThomas did not recall making that statement, which was cited in accounts by two other police employees, though he confirmed he waited to "see how things played out" before declaring an unlawful assembly, the report said.
"Chief Thomas' slow-footed response to violence put the safety of all at risk and created indelible images of this chaotic event," the report said.
The report also said Thomas initially tried to limit Heaphy's team's access to certain information by directing subordinates not to answer certain questions and made officers fearful of retaliation for speaking with investigators. And it said Thomas had deleted text messages relevant to the investigation and used a personal email account to conduct some police business, then denied having done so in response to an open records request.
Kevin Martingayle, an attorney for Thomas, has said the chief disputes that he deleted text messages, as well as other parts of the report.
Martingayle said Monday night that Thomas was not accepting interview requests. He declined to offer further comment on his behalf, except for saying that while Thomas was retiring "for now," he has not ruled out other law enforcement opportunities in the future.
City Manager Maurice Jones called Thomas "a man of integrity who has provided critical leadership for our department since his arrival."
"We wish him all the best in his future endeavors," he said in the statement.
Deputy Police Chief Gary Pleasants will guide the department until an interim chief is formally appointed within the next week.
A veteran of the Air Force, Thomas was appointed police chief in April 2016. Before joining the Charlottesville Police Department, Thomas had served as the police chief in Lexington, Virginia, since 2010. Prior to that, he spent 20 years with the Lynchburg Police Department.
Thomas had not publicly discussed plans to step down or retire. He spoke earlier this month at a press conference, saying he was committed to implementing the recommendations in Heaphy's report.
"This community needs leadership now more than ever before. It's not a time for finger-pointing — it's a time to come together," he said.
Some residents have called for Thomas to resign or be fired. Others said he was unfairly bearing the brunt of the criticism.
"There's certainly more than enough blame to be passed around throughout this whole fiasco of the summer," activist Don Gathers said at a recent city council meeting.
