Detroit police chief resigns after just over a year on job; mayor offers no explanation

Detroit police chief resigns in surprise move

DETROIT — Detroit Police Chief Warren Evans resigned from his post after just over a year on the job, the mayor’s office said in a surprise announcement Wednesday.

Mayor Dave Bing’s office did not offer a reason for Evans’ resignation in a brief statement it issued announcing the change.

Bing publicly reprimanded Warren after the police department’s handling of a May 16 raid on a Detroit family’s home that left a 7-year-old girl dead of a police officer’s bullet. The raid was documented by a camera crew for A&E’s reality television show “The First 48.”

Bing appointed Evans to the post last July to replace James Barren, who was fired after less than a year on the job. At the time, Evans was the city’s third police chief in less than a year.

Assistant Chief A.C. Godbee will serve as interim chief until a replacement for Evans is found, Bing said.

“We appreciate the time and dedication that Warren Evans has given to the Detroit Police Department,” Bing said. “He has put the department on a path to reducing crime.”

The Associated Press left messages seeking comment from Evans and further comment from Bing.

Bing lured Evans to Detroit police in early July 2009 from his long-time post as Wayne County sheriff. Evans was tasked with finding ways to reduce crime in Detroit and to bring the city more into compliance with federal consent decrees related to police use of force and treatment of prisoners.

Under Evans, the police department used data and reports to target high crime areas. Drug seizures have been up, while the number homicides is down year over year.