Police Chief Who Led Sniper Probe Resigns

[Overtake]

By STEPHEN MANNING Associated Press Writer
published 03:31 PM - JUNE 18, 2003 Eastern Time



Montgomery County Police Chief Charles Moose resigned Wednesday after a clash with county leaders over his upcoming book about the investigation of the Washington-area sniper shootings.

Moose's attorney, Ron Karp, read a statement from Moose that said the chief made the decision to resign and that it is time "to move on and explore other paths in life."

Moose's statement said he didn't want to dwell on the past and prefers to "focus on the future." Moose said he had worked to make Montgomery County a "safe and secure place to live."

He also thanked County Executive Douglas Duncan for supporting his desire to write the book and appeal the commission's decision. Duncan said in a statement that he had accepted Moose's resignation "with disappointment and regret."

Montgomery County police spokeswoman Joyce Utter referred all questions to Duncan's office.

After the county ethics commission ordered Moose to drop the book project, Moose challenged the decision on two fronts, appealing the decision in county circuit court and filing a federal lawsuit claiming his free speech rights were being violated.

The book, "Three Weeks in October," has been posted for preorder sales on the Internet. The book is scheduled to be released in October, one year after the sniper attacks.

Moose currently is on active duty with a military police unit of the D.C. National Guard, and his statement said he would remain on guard duty for the foreseeable future.

Two months ago, Duncan named Assistant Chief Bill O'Toole the department's acting chief. He has been running the department's routine operations in Moose's absence.

___

Associated Press writer Derrill Holly in Washington contributed to this report.

[spdracr]

Saw that one coming! He can make plenty off of his book (I won't be buying it though), why stay where he is?

[NSCR FAN]

Originally posted by spdracr
Saw that one coming! He can make plenty off of his book (I won't be buying it though), why stay where he is?

Ditto that, Speedy.

[Merrickj2000]

Don't forget a possible made for tv movie deal soon.....

[GOLDMEMBER]

Too bad the police agencies did help each other out more maybe they could have prevented a shooting or two

[at58]

Is anyone shocked?

[JOEM]

Originally posted by at58
Is anyone shocked?

Nope. Not these days. But I sure wouldn't trade a pension for a book that's sure to be just a flash in the pan sales-wise.