RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- Three weeks ago Mayor Dwight Jones took questions at a press conference about the departure of former police chief Bryan Norwood.
"It was clear to many that he wanted to stay in Richmond and many speculated that you were the one pushing him out?," CBS 6's Catie Beck inquired at that meeting.
"It's a mutually agreed upon change in leadership, I don't think we need to put anything more in to it than that," responded Mayor Dwight Jones.
It was a mutual decision. That was the only answer we could get from the mayor on the departure of Norwood. It was repeated at least 5 times in one press conference.
"It's a mutually agreed upon change in leadership and that's where we're going to leave it," said Jones.
That's where the mayor says he left it. But Norwood told CBS 6's Mark Holmberg Wednesday it was left another way -- and there was nothing mutual about it. [EXCLUSIVE: Richmond former police chief says ‘it’s a mystery’ why he was forced out]
"During late summer i had a meeting with a few city officials and they let me know that after the end of the year my services would no longer be needed,” said Norwood.
Norwood's version of his forced departure sparked flames of renewed support from his advocates.
"Working closely with the chief, I believe every word he said," said Rev. Sharon Broaddus.
Broaddus contends that if the mayor wanted to replace Norwood he should have given the chief and the public his reasons. When we asked about his confidence in the chief in October, we got this answer.
"The police are doing a great job and the chief is leading them,” said Jones.
Broaduss claims she is organizing a march at city hall to protest the less than honest way she believes this was handled. She wants an explanation from the mayor.
"He owes the city everything because he is employed by the city of Richmond," she said.
COMPLETE COVERAGE:
- EXCLUSIVE: Richmond former police chief says ‘it’s a mystery’ why he was forced out
- Norwood out, Tarasovic named new police chief
- HOLMBERG: Chris Brown scandal could be Mayor’s last straw with Norwood
- Faith leaders rally in support of Chief Norwood
- Officer claims new police chief was called ‘hatchet man
- Mayor Jones refutes claims he will replace Norwood
