Home » Home » Longtime Titusville Police Chief John Lau Terminated After Late Night Vehicle Crash

Longtime Titusville Police Chief John Lau Terminated After Late Night Vehicle Crash

By  //  June 24, 2026

Florida Highway Patrol: the vehicle traveled off the roadway and overturned multiple times

Longtime Titusville Police Chief John Lau was terminated on Wednesday after he was involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash while driving a city-issued vehicle, according to city officials.

Deputy Chief Tyler Wright has been appointed Interim Chief of Police and will oversee department operations during this transition

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA — Longtime Titusville Police Chief John Lau was terminated Wednesday after he was involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash while driving a city-issued vehicle, according to city officials.

Lau, who had served with the Titusville Police Department for more than three decades and as Chief since 2012, was driving an unmarked Chevrolet Tahoe owned by the city when the crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Barna Avenue and River Oaks Drive in Titusville.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the vehicle traveled off the roadway and overturned multiple times.

Lau sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening and was transported to Parrish Medical Center for treatment.

Titusville City Manager Tom Abbate announced Lau’s termination on Wednesday morning, less than 12 hours after the crash.

“The Florida Highway Patrol responded to an incident involving Chief Lau in Brevard County last night, where he was involved in a vehicle crash while operating a City vehicle,” Abbate said in a statement.

“Deputy Chief Tyler Wright has been appointed Interim Chief of Police and will oversee department operations during this transition.”

TPD Deputy Chief Tyler Wright has been appointed Interim Chief of Police and will oversee department operations during this transition.

The city has not publicly disclosed the reason for Lau’s dismissal, other than confirming the termination following the crash.

Officials have also not released details on whether any internal investigation is underway.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident and has not announced any charges.

Authorities have not released additional information regarding factors that may have contributed to the crash.

The Florida Highway Patrol investigation into the crash remains active.