Lubbock Promotes New Police Chief

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — A longtime West Texas law enforcement officer has been chosen to lead the Lubbock Police Department.

Assistant Chief Greg Stevens was promoted Monday after the Lubbock City Council approved the hiring.

Stevens, who's been with the department for 22 years and an assistant chief since 2014, takes over for interim Chief Jerry Brewer.

Chief Roger Ellis retired July 1 after being demoted to captain amid a government investigation into department hiring practices. A federal review determined Lubbock police discriminated against women and Hispanics in hiring probationary officers.

Brewer last week suspended another assistant chief and reprimanded two commanders over handling of the investigation into the 2012 killing of a 15-year-old boy. The victim was Mark Ysasaga (ee-suh-SAH'-guh).

Jose Simental of Brownfield remains in custody on a murder charge.