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Fullerton Police Chief On Medical Leave In Wake Of Homeless Man's Death

FULLERTON (CBS) — Fullerton Police Chief Michael Sellers has been placed on medical leave in the wake of the death of a 37-year-old homeless man with schizophrenia.

This latest development comes amid allegations that six Fullerton police officers used excessive force against Kelly Thomas, who died last month. The cause of Thomas' death has not yet been released.

Sellers, who has been the chief of the Fullerton Police Department for more than two years, will continue to be paid.

Officials say Captain Kevin Hamilton, the investigations commander, will be stepping in as acting chief.

Kevin Hamilton
Kevin Hamilton is the new acting chief of the Fullerton Police Department. (credit: Fullerton Police Department)

Last week, two city council members asked Sellers to step down. That was when five officers were put on leave, something many feel should have happened right after the July 5 incident.

Michele Gile, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, spoke with Pat McKinley, who served as Fullerton's Police Chief for sixteen years.

"It's very difficult for me, Michele. I really can't say I have an opinion one way or another. If he's ill, he's ill and it's unfortunate that it happened this way," McKinley said.

McKinley also tells Gile that a special City Council meeting has been scheduled for Friday.

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