HOUSTON – Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland has been suspended one day without pay by Mayor Annise Parker for an incident earlier this month.
On the morning of September 4, Chief McClelland was driving his city vehicle to work eastbound on Clay Street in the far left lane. He had the green light and looked in the crosswalk before he turned left.
McClelland said he did not see anyone and completed the turn. That's when an adult male stepped off the curb and was hit by McClelland's vehicle.
The man suffered minor injuries to both elbows and was taken to the hospital for observation.
The chief said Thursday the accident investigation revealed he was at fault and he said he holds himself to a higher standard, which is why the suspension was implemented.
The chief will enroll in a defensive driving class. In addition, he is looking into a special operation to monitor pedestrian traffic downtown.
The mayor said the chief will have a year to serve his 1-day suspension and that it's up to him to pick the day.