Residents of Hooks, Texas, filled city hall on Monday, October 21, to voice their dissatisfaction with Police Chief Johnny Millwood. Chris Harris, a vocal community member, stated, “We want to see one of two things. We want to see a resignation. We want to see the council vote to remove the police chief.”
The controversy stems from the recent reassignment of School Resource Officer Jay Hedges after an incident at a local school that led to the arrest of a juvenile for making threats. Hedges, a veteran officer with nearly 20 years of service, subsequently chose to resign.
McKenzie Hedges, speaking on behalf of her husband and others dissatisfied with Chief Millwood, criticized the chief's handling of the situation. “I encourage city officials to think long and hard about who they have representing the City of Hooks. The chief is not even capable of verifying facts and procedures. I believe he is a liability to our community and district, and we deserve better,” she asserted.
City Attorney Butch Dunbar refrained from discussing specific details about the case but confirmed that a complaint was filed by a parent, leading to a swift sequence of events where an arrest warrant was issued and the juvenile was arrested within days.
The city council did not take any action during the meeting, but residents pledged to continue their efforts for change. Harris concluded, “If we can’t get anyone, we will be back at y’all’s next meeting with a petition to get this action done one way or another.”
Chief Millwood has held his position for less than a year.
