CARMEL, Ind.–The trouble at the Carmel Police Dept. has reached the top. Police chief, or now former chief, Jeff Horner turned in his resignation Monday, less than a week after he suspended Deputy Chief Joe Bickel.
Horner did not give a reason for his resignation.
Bickel was suspended July 20, with a recommendation to the Carmel Police Merit Board that he be fired over “multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior”, namely accusations that he touched and kissed subordinates. Mayor Jim Brainerd supported the suggestion that Bickel be fired.
Horner became chief in February. That’s just six months on the job.
Former chief Jim Barlow will lead the department while the city looks for another chief.
The City of Carmel sent an e-mail Monday clarifying that Horner will stay on the job as a lieutenant in the department, per city policy.
