LAFAYETTE, LA — A spokesperson with the Lafayette Police Department has confirmed that Lafayette Police Chief Toby Aguillard has resigned.

LPD Cpl. Bridgette Dugas has told KATC that Aguillard has resigned the same day that Mayor-President Josh Guillory was sworn into office. Lt Scott Morgan was announced as the interim police chief.

Guillory had previously stated his intent to replace the incumbent police chief with a new candidate.

Aguillard released a statement of his decision to the department:

After careful thought and prayerful reflection, I have decided to resign as Chief of Police of Lafayette, effective Jan. 6, 2020. I will forever be grateful for having had the opportunity to lead one of the finest police departments in our country.



Lafayette's history has proven that a legal battle between the chief of police and a newly elected mayor causes disruption and stress among the officers, the parties involved and the citizens. I have no desire to be a part of such turmoil. I hope that my resigning will allow the department and the community to move forward.



Know that I have developed a deep admiration for the men and women of the Lafayette Police Department and I will continue to pray for their safety and success.



I sincerely thank the citizens of Lafayette for their support and I look forward to staying here in Acadiana with my family for years to come.

The local NAACP, which held a press conference yesterday on this issue, has made the following statement:

The NAACP will continue to monitor the situation.

We wish Chief Aguillard the very best is all his future endeavors.

We are interested in learning why our Mayor-President appointed a Lieutenant as interim Chief, when there is the Deputy Chief already in position. A Lieutenant is 3 ranks below the Deputy Chief rank. Deputy Chief Reginald Thomas was interim chief for 11 months prior to the arrival of Chief Aguillard.

Why would our Mayor- President Josh Guillory bypass a qualified African American Deputy Chief? Those are the questions needing answers!