PULLMAN, Wash – More than two weeks after placing him on leave, the City of Pullman finally confirmed Friday the status of the city’s police chief.
A news release was sent Friday from the chief’s administrative assistant, confirming that Chief Jake Opgenorth was placed on leave December 17th.
That happened when the city was “informed of allegations” against Opgenorth. Those allegations are being investigated by the Washington State Patrol.
Opgenorth was also served a protection order from a woman with whom he had a previous relationship. She requested the protection order over concerns of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Opgenorth had to surrender his badge and weapons as part of the investigation.
When asked earlier this week to confirm the chief was on leave, Pullman Mayor Francis Benjamin directed 4 News Now to an attorney who has yet to return calls for comment.
In the news release Friday, Benjamin said “The City is aware of the ongoing Washington State Patrol investigation, as well as the civil protection order petition filed against Chief Opgenorth. We are fully committed to cooperating with the investigation, and while we are dedicated to maintaining transparency, we must also respect the integrity of the investigative and judicial processes and cannot comment further at this point.”
Pullman Police Commander Aaron Breshears told 4 News Now he is the acting chief of the department.
Opgenorth has been with Pullman Police for nearly 30 years. He was named chief in 2022.
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