Prank leads to resignation of police chief

ATTICA, Ind. (WLFI) - A prank, intended to be taken lightly, caused a police chief to turn in his badge.

It all started with duck jerky or dog treats.

Attica's former Police Chief Bobby Bass said, as a prank, he gave two close friends duck jerky to taste.

Bass said both laughed it off and one jokingly asked for more.

But when word got out about the prank, not everybody was laughing.

"An anonymous third party made a phone call and I think they may have called another person who called the mayor and thought that it wasn't a good idea that police officers in uniform had that kind of time that they could play a prank. They were offended by it," said Bass.

Bass said Mayor Bob Shepard was going to reprimand him with a five-day pay cut.

That's why Bass slapped down his badge and resigned Thursday morning.

"I had no problem being disciplined over something if the person involved was the one making the complaint, but this was an anonymous third party and we don't make an arrest without facing our accusers, and I felt that we were justified in finding out who was offended by it, and why they made the complaint and make sure it wasn't a personal issue," said Bass.

Mayor Shepard said he respects Bass and his experience as a police officer.

However, he thought the prank was inappropriate and created a bad image for the police department.

Therefore, he gave Bass the reprimand Wednesday evening.

"I felt under the circumstances that it was minimal and more of a slap on the wrist. I understand that can be a blow to the ego but I felt it was needed for the benefit of the department," said Shepard.

Shepard said he will be starting an immediate search for a new police chief.

"I'm just sorry the whole sequence occurred. If we could go back and have it not occur on his part, I would be thrilled to death because I do admire the man," said Shepard.

Bass was police chief for about 18 months, taking over the job in January of 2011.

He was previously the Fountain County Sheriff for two terms.

Bass told NewsChannel 18, he's unsure of what's next, but plans to spend some time caring for a sick relative.