City Council Member Jamika Scott said she was informed of the decision Thursday in a phone call with Tacoma’s deputy city manager. Allen McKenzie, the chair of the Community Police Advisory Council, said he learned about it through an internal email. Both said the news took them by surprise.

In a message posted on the city’s website, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said Carmichael has decided to step down as chief, effective Friday. “I have great respect for Chief Carmichael and deep gratitude for his service to the Newton Police Department and our community,” Fuller said.

Sources tell The News Tribune that Tacoma Deputy Chief Paul Junger has been assigned as the police department’s interim leader while Chief Avery Moore is on paid administrative leave. City spokesperson Maria Lee confirmed to The News Tribune on Thursday that Moore was placed on leave effective Wednesday. Lee did not say why the decision was made.