What to Know
- Allentown Mayor Ray O'Connell has announced interim Chief Tony Alsleben will step down Sept. 6.
- The resignation comes after a string of summer shootings in the Lehigh Valley city.
- Alsleben was hired by the Allentown Police Department as a patrol officer in 2000 and was appointed interim chief in April 2018.
Allentown's interim police chief is stepping down, leaving the city council to find a new chief for the fifth time in four years.
Mayor Ray O'Connell announced Monday interim Chief Tony Alsleben will step down Sept. 6.
The Morning Call reports Alsleben said in a statement that he was proud of what the force had accomplished under his leadership. However, he also said his nomination had "become an unneeded and divisive distraction."
In June and July, 27 people were shot in the city. One person died. Officers killed a man who was firing shots in the air on Aug. 1.
A community activist criticized Alsleben for not being visible in the community.
"The city has always been a part of my soul and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to serve my city as chief, Alsleben said in a statement to NBC10. "I am proud of what we have accomplished during the time I was asked to serve as chief. The men and women of this department are hardworking dedicated professionals who always persevere regardless of the challenge. It has been my honor to serve with them over the last 19 years."
