Police chief placed on administrative leave after search of family home in Galveston, city says

GALVESTON, Texas – The police chief of the city of Galveston was placed on administrative leave in connection with the start of an investigation into a raid on a family home.

Chief Doug Bally will be on vacation for 10 days, the city manager said.

The investigation is said to be related to a “communication failure” during the raid, which occurred on January 22.

Officers from the Galveston Police Department say they were looking for a murder suspect who they believe was in a house on Avenue O.

Background: Police say the real murder in this case took place on January 20 in the 3900 block of the Seeley district and claimed the life of 25-year-old Malik Dann.

Family members who were at the house during the raid say police fired rubber bullets at their house before they entered the house and handcuffed them.

Relatives say they were immediately detained.

Ultimately, investigators say the 17-year-old suspect was not there. He was later arrested on 23 January.

A few days later, the Galveston District Attorney and the police department said that after they received more evidence of murder, the charges against the 17-year-old were dropped.

The suspect who committed the murder is still at large.

Assistant Chief of Police Andre Mitchell will act as chief of the department.

The Galveston Municipal Police Association released the following statement:

“In recent articles on Galveston Police Chief D. Bally, we wanted the public to know that while the GMPA’s relationship with the chief is most often hostile, you can be sure of it… Chief Bally would NEVER intentionally or knowingly allow an officer, Special Forces or even a citizen to harm someone or break the law. If by chance there is a problem of misunderstanding, it will be disclosed and considered during the investigation. Chief Balli would also never allow facts or actions to be concealed or withheld. Chief Balli is an honest citizen and leader who cares about the island. GMPA is going to wait until the investigation is completed before making a decision, and we ask everyone else to do the same. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.”

The investigation is currently ongoing.