Titusville City Manager Tom Abbate has fired Police Chief John Lau following a preliminary administrative review, one day after Lau was involved in a crash while driving a city-owned vehicle. Deputy Chief Tyler Wright has been tapped as interim chief and will steer day-to-day operations while the city figures out its next move.
City issues statement
In a written statement, Abbate said Lau "was terminated from employment with the City of Titusville following a preliminary administrative review of violations of City Personnel Policy." The release confirmed that Wright will oversee the department during the transition and noted that the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the crash. The city added that more information will be released when it is available, according to the City of Titusville.
Crash under investigation
The crash happened Tuesday night in Brevard County and is being investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol, FOX 35 Orlando reported. The city has not publicly detailed which personnel policies Lau is accused of violating.
Chief's record
Lau joined the Titusville Police Department in 1992 and spent his entire law enforcement career with the agency. He worked his way up from patrol officer to commander before being appointed chief in 2012, according to the city's biography of the chief.
What happens next
City officials say they will release additional details as their internal process moves forward. Whether Lau faces any criminal charges will depend on the outcome of the Florida Highway Patrol investigation, which remains active, according to FOX 35 Orlando.
Local context
Lau has overseen the department during several high-profile moments, including an officer-involved shooting in February 2025 that drew protests and demands for greater body camera transparency. Coverage of that shooting was provided by WFTV and later examined in detail in a piece on a mother's request to view body cam footage.
