Pflugerville - Hutto Edition | August 2025

Government

BY GRACIE WARHURST

A third-party investigation into misconduct allegations found sucient evidence that former Pugerville Police Chief Jason O’Malley brandished a rearm and threatened a lieutenant within the department, according to a case summary and news release from the city of Pugerville on July 30. The report details an incident in which O’Malley threatened to shoot a former Pugerville lieutenant, Michael De La Rosa, in the foot while inside a police oce. Two other ocers, including Sgt. Commander Makeba Lewis, were also present. Probe alleges misconduct by police chief

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Lewis and former Commander Jared Thyssen also resigned from the department during the investigation. The city is reviewing policies and training following the investigation, according to the release, and “remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all employees.” “While the actions in question did not endanger the public, they did not align with the expectations we hold for leadership in our police department,” Pugerville City Manager Sereniah Breland said. Stephen Grith was named interim police chief while the city searches for O’Malley’s replacement. Grith has over 33 years of law enforcement experience and over 10 years in city management.

Pugerville City Council appointed Jason O’Malley as police chief in September 2021.

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The report determined that the incident, which took place on April 23, was the primary cause for the investigation. However, it also stated that O’Malley had “a pattern of unprofessional conduct,” including lack of weapon safety and professionalism. O’Malley retired during the investigation, which was initiated on April 29 following a complaint made by an employee during an exit interview.

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