Edmonds city leaders selected Sherman Pruitt to serve as the next police chief. The move came as a surprise to many since acting police chief Jim Lawless was assumed to take the role.
However, on Tuesday, mayor Mike Nelson said Pruitt was no longer in the running for the position since he "omitted relevant details from his application materials."
Nelson said that Pruitt told the city that the omission was a mistake and the result of forgetfulness.
"Nevertheless, the inclusion of all relevant information is a requirement and this omission has led the City to decide to not proceed with Chief Pruitt for the position of Chief of Police," Nelson said in a statement.
It's unknown what details were omitted.
"Chief Pruitt would have brought many great qualities to our police department, so I am very disappointed by this outcome. But if the City were to overlook this omission, it would create a precedent that is not in the best interest of the City for satisfying its legal requirement to do a thorough background check for all law enforcement applicants. I simply cannot ignore such an omission, even for a strong candidate like Chief Pruitt. So, unfortunately, the City will not be able to move forward with Chief Pruitt," Nelson said in a statement.
Pruitt is the current police chief on the Sauk Suiattle Indian reservation. Lawless served for 25 years with the Edmonds Police Department and was considered next in line when Al Compaan retired after 12 years.
Compaan said last Monday, "I was really disappointed and I have a lot of questions. What changed all of a sudden? Why did we go off in this direction at this particular juncture?"
Nelson had even put out a press release in April saying Lawless would be the man sent to the City Council for confirmation. But in early December, Nelson changed directions.
I am committed now, more than ever, to my vision for our police department – a department that is a stronger, more transparent, accountable, and a safer space for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color in our community. I want our department to be an example for other police departments in Washington," Nelson said.
A nationwide search will be conducted.
