Elkhart police chief resigns amid department scrutiny

Ed Windbigler has resigned from his position as chief of the Elkhart Police Department, effective Monday, Dec. 10.

Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese announced the resignation in a press release late Monday night. Windbigler was the police chief for about three years; Neese appointed him to the position in January 2016.

Windbigler's resignation comes after

two officers were charged with criminal battery of a man in custody

at the beginning of November.

Windbigler was also serving a

30-day suspension

that was scheduled to end Monday, Dec. 17, and

Neese has twice publicly called for investigations

of the department's policies and practices, specifically regarding police discipline and use of force.

“This was a difficult decision, and after much consideration, I have decided to seek new leadership of the Elkhart Police Department,” Neese said in the release. “I appreciate Ed’s service to the Police Department and our community, and I wish him the very best.”

Assistant Chief Todd Thayer will remain in his current role as interim police chief until a replacement is named.