Special Report: Leighton Police Chief Suspended

We have just received word that Leighton Police Chief Ray Hayse has been suspended. No other details are yet available.

Hayse was the Republican nominee for Franklin County Sheriff in the 2010 general election. He also made news earlier in the year when he suspended Stephen Guthrie after that officer's arrest on a domestic violence charge. Guthrie attributed the July incident to a reaction to Ambien, a commonly prescribed sleep medication.

During the ensuing July council meeting, Leighton Mayor Lawayne Harrison attempted to suspend Hayse, accusing him of not acting quickly enough to reinstate Guthrie. Harrison, known for his erratic behavior and frequent civil court battles, could not get a second to his motion.

We look for Harrison to figure prominently in Chief Hayse's current suspension.


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