TEXAS CITY — Police Chief Landis Cravens resigned Tuesday, amid reports that newly elected Mayor Abel Garza planned to demote him, following recent changes in city leadership.

KGTX 7 reached out to the Mayor’s Office Wednesday afternoon seeking clarification on the reasoning behind the reported demotion and subsequent resignation.

The City said in a statement, “In accordance with city policies and applicable confidentiality requirements, the City of Texas City does not comment on personnel matters,”

In addition, the police association said, “TCMPA is stronger than ever and ready to help build this department back with leadership that supports its officers, restores trust, and gets more officers back on the streets where this community needs them.”

Cravens’ resignation comes after the police department drew criticism over the past two years from several police associations as well as some members of the community.

The police association also confirmed that Captain James Patterson would be the new interim Chief.