Overview
- A city-owned, unmarked 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Chief John Lau ran off the road and rolled multiple times on Tuesday night, and Lau was taken to Parrish Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
- The City of Titusville terminated Lau effective immediately after he refused a post-crash drug or alcohol test, citing a violation of the city’s Drug and Alcohol policy in a termination letter obtained by reporters.
- Titusville police body-camera footage shows officers photographing a partially full bottle of vodka inside the vehicle, but the Florida Highway Patrol said its trooper did not observe indicators of impairment during its scene investigation.
- FHP received the call around 11:30 p.m., arrived after Lau had been transported to the hospital, and is still investigating whether alcohol, drugs, or other substances played a role; no criminal charges have been announced.
- Deputy Chief Tyler (T.J.) Wright has been named acting chief as the city manages leadership transition and awaits FHP findings and any toxicology or charging decisions that could change the case.