TITUSVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2023) – A Titusville police chief was fired after refusing an alcohol test following a crash while driving a city-owned vehicle.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. near River Oaks Drive and Barna Avenue, just outside the city limits. Officers responding to the scene discovered a partially consumed bottle of vodka in the vehicle, assigned to now-former Chief John Lau.
Authorities reported that Lau suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. While there, a police commander asked him to submit to alcohol testing, which he declined, violating city personnel policy. Following his discharge, Lau was terminated after a meeting with the city manager.
Witnesses noted the smell of alcohol on Lau's breath, and the officers commented on his bloodshot eyes. Interim Police Chief Tyler Wright released a statement emphasizing that the incident does not reflect the values of the department and expressing relief that no additional parties were harmed.
Although the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating, they determined no criminal charges would be filed against Lau. The patrol has not publicly commented on the rationale for this decision.
Lau had served as police chief since 2013.