HINTON, W.Va. — An interim chief of police has been named for the county seat of Summers County following the firing of Chief Derek Snavely.
Hinton City Manager Cris Meadows told MetroNews affiliate WJLS Mayor Joe Blankenship made a statement at Tuesday’s city council meeting dismissing Snavely over “job performance or lack thereof”.
It stems from a July 31 incident when officers responded to Snavely’s residence for a domestic dispute involving a handgun. Officers did take a handgun from Snavely, but no arrests were made or charges pressed.
Mayor Blankenship put Snavely on leave and made him hand over his badge and service weapon.
“I think that got some of the officers talking,” said Meadows. “Maybe they were telling us more now than they ever had. So we felt that he maybe was not doing the best job that he needed to be doing. So he was relieved.”
Snavely is Mayor Blankenship’s son-in-law. The mayor was not taking any media calls Wednesday.
“It’s really hard for the mayor because this involves his family. He was really upset last night that he had to do it and the incident occurred. In fact he was only in here for about a half hour today. He’s still upset about last night that he had to do it and the incident occurred.”
Hinton Police Sgt. Withrow has been selected to serve as interim police chief. A new chief will be hired as Withrow will be leaving soon to serve with West Virginia State Police.
“We are going to continue with excellent police service here in Hinton,” added Meadows. “We still have some great officers here and we’re going to find a new chief that’s going to take care of the people.”