Chandler Police Chief Resigns, Charged

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

CHANDLER, Oklahoma -- The police chief of Chandler was charged with a misdemeanor failure to report an accident with an injury involving his wife and has resigned from the force.

Charges were filed against Chief Kevin Towler Tuesday afternoon by Lincoln County District Attorney Richard Smothermon. Towler resigned from his position shortly before the charge was filed.

The accident happened near Chandler in Lincoln County in April, and Chief Towler suffered minor injuries. His wife was also seriously hurt in the accident, according to Chandler City Manager James Melson.

Towler failed to call 911, despite the fact his wife was seriously injured. The city manager said she suffered several broken bones, but an ambulance was never called and the two of them left before troopers arrived.

The punishment for the charge is a fine of $5 to $500 or imprisonment for up to 10 days.

Towler is expected to appear in court Wednesday afternoon to make a plea.

The City of Chandler issued the following press release Tuesday afternoon:

"Effective as of the close of business on June 29, 2010, Kevin Towler has voluntarily resigned as Chief of Police of the City of Chandler. Chief Towler has advised the city that, due to ongoing personal matters requiring his full attention, he is unable to devote the time required to adequately fulfill the duties of his position with the city. Chief Towler has worked for the Chandler Police Department since 1987, and was promoted to Chief in 2002. Assistant Chief Matt Mattheyer will be serving as Interim Chief of Police until further notice."

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