Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall is on a leave of absence following major surgery, the Dallas Police Department says.
In a statement released Wednesday night, the police department said Hall is "resting following major surgery."
The statement said Hall underwent a precautionary wellness check after the death of her mother in October 2018, after which she was advised to undergo surgery.
Executive Assistant Chief David Pughes will be the acting chief during Hall's leave of absence.
Hall's leave of absence comes at a trying time for the Dallas Police Department, as the city has already recorded 119 homicides in 2019.
Read the department's full statement below.
“It is well known that Dallas Police Chief, U. Renee Hall's mother passed away in October of 2018 from lengthy health challenges. Her mother's illness prompted her to have a wellness check in January of this year. The physicians expressed concerns that needed to be addressed and scheduled surgery for July. Hall underwent a procedure this week and is home resting comfortably.
She wants her officers and the community to know that she appreciates their concerns and well wishes as she recuperates. On behalf of the police department and City Hall, we ask that you respect her privacy and time off. Executive Assistant Chief David Pughes will be acting in her stead.”
