Ashland appoints interim police chief

ASHLAND, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Ashland Board of Aldermen appointed an interim police chief at its meeting Tuesday night.

The board appointed Deputy Police Chief Terry Toalson to interim police chief with three votes in favor, two against and one abstention.

The vote came one week after the city placed Police Chief Lyn Woolford on paid administrative leave at the direction of Mayor Gene Rhorer.

More than 50 residents attended Tuesday night's meeting to voice their support for Woolford. The board set aside 30 minutes to allow people to speak about Woolford.

One resident told the board they were concerned about the lack of information.

"I'm afraid that the lack of information gives free reign to imaginations and I think it's harmful for the community," the resident said.

City officials have only said that they are investigating a situation, but have not provided details about the situation that led to Woolford being placed on leave.

ABC 17 News reported Monday that Woolford filed a lawsuit against the city of Ashland and the mayor claiming that the mayor was taking retaliatory action after Woolford refused to remove Rhorer's girlfriend from Rhorer's home.

Since there was no threat of violence Woolford refused to intervene, but sent officers to "keep the peace," the lawsuit says.