TPD Chief Cleared After Investigation

Tuscaloosa Police Chief Steve Anderson has been cleared of any wrongdoing in his actions during a standoff outside DCH Regional Medical Center on August 30.  The probe into Anderson's decision was handled by the city attorney's office.

According to ABC 30/40 WBMA, an internal investigation centered on Anderson providing marijuana to a standoff suspect, promising to do so if he surrendered.  During the standoff, the suspect requested water and marijuana.  Upon surrendering, the suspect was offered the marijuana. Anderson's order to give the suspect marijuana prompted an assistant police chief to question the decision.  The chief himself then requested the internal investigation into any potential wrongdoing.  The probe was handled by the city attorney's office.

The city attorney's office cleared Anderson of any wrongdoing, concluding the potential harm of the standoff outweighed the chief's actions.