TITUSVILLE, Fla. — A police chief was fired for refusing an alcohol test after an off-duty crash in a city-owned vehicle late Tuesday night.
The crash occurred around 11:15 p.m. near River Oaks Drive and Barna Avenue, just outside Titusville's city limits. A partially consumed bottle of vodka was discovered in the vehicle belonging to former police chief John Lau.
Witnesses reported a strong odor of alcohol from Lau and observed that he had bloodshot eyes. After the crash, he was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. While there, a police commander requested that Lau submit to alcohol testing, which he refused, violating department policy.
Following his hospital discharge, Lau met with the city manager and was promptly terminated from his position, having served as police chief since 2013.
Interim Police Chief Tyler Wright stated, “This is an extremely unfortunate and avoidable incident. Thankfully, no other innocent parties were involved, and no serious injuries were sustained. This incident does not reflect the values of this department.”
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is investigating the incident due to its location outside Titusville's jurisdiction. FHP officials have not indicated whether any criminal charges will be filed against Lau.