11 News has confirmed Fountain Police Chief Charles Crawford will return to work on Wednesday.
Crawford was placed on administrative leave in March pending an internal investigation into the Chief leaving his personal firearm, which he was carrying on duty, in a public place.
When Crawford discovered it missing, he contacted his Deputy Chief. He was then told the weapon had been located and was being reclaimed without incident. It was then that Crawford initiated an
internal investigation against himself. During the process Crawford was placed on administrative leave without pay.
During Crawford's suspension, there was speculation the investigation was into rumors involving elected officials who were seeking special treatment for traffic citations.
City Manager Scott Trainor confirms Chief Crawford's leave, and the investigation, were solely based on the incident involving the misplaced weapon.
Deputy Chief Mike Barnett stepped in for the last few months as acting chief during the internal investigation.
Crawford has been with the Fountain Police Department for about three years.