University Heights dismisses its police chief ‘without cause’

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS - The University Heights City Council has voted to dismiss the city's police chief, who had been on administrative leave since January.

University Heights Mayor Louise From confirmed Monday that the decision was made by the council the week before but would not comment as to why either the leave or the dismissal had been decided upon. 'The University Heights City Council terminated Kris Lyon's employment without cause and for no specific reason as of March 6, 2018. I have no further comments,” From said Monday in an e-mail to the Gazette.

Lyon was initially placed on administrative leave on Jan. 15. She said at the time that the reason for this decision was a 'personnel issue” that she would not discuss furter. She also would not disclose at that time why he had been put on leave.

On Jan. 19, From sent a letter to other law enforcement agencies in Johnson County, as well as the Joint Emergency Communication Center, informing them of her decision.

Sgt. Nate Petersen was tapped at the time to serve as interim police chief, From said in the letter.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com