GRANITE FALLS, Wash. - Granite Falls police chief Tony Domish is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. He lead a massive drug sweep in Granite Falls last week, netting 30 arrests, including a former mayor. But Friday night, KING 5 News has learned Domish is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
There have been numerous issues, some of them pretty serious, that have come to light in the last two weeks, said Mayor Haroon Saleem.
Saleem wouldn't talk about the allegations against the chief, or say if they are criminal. He's asked the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office to investigate.
But the mayor did say in the days following the drug bust that Chief Domish received a death threat. Part of the reason for putting him on leave was for his protection.
We want to make sure he is safe, said Saleem.
Friday night Chief Domish told KING 5, I'm not allowed to talk about anything. If I do, I'll be fired.
Numerous citizens and city leaders are coming out in support for their police chief.
He's been the best thing that's ever happened to our city, said Debbie Taylor, president of the Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce, about Chief Domish.
Others told KING 5 this is small-town politics at their worst. The mayor, who owns the Timberline Cafe in town, has clashed with the chief on many issues.
Right after the drug raid last week, the mayor accused the chief of trying to run the city without him.
He is not reporting to me, he's not telling me what is going on in the city, said Mayor Saleem.
Tonight, when asked about their contentious relationship, the mayor said, You know the conflict is from his side.
After he consults with investigators and the city attorney, the mayor says he hopes to give a more complete statement about the allegations against Domish on Monday.
