Small town left with zero cops as council fires final officer amid mounting drama
Share this @internewscast.com

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A Texas community is riddled with more drama following the city council’s decision to fire their last police officer. 

On Monday, the Hawkins City Council voted to terminate the last employee left in the Hawkins Police Department, Lt. Eric Tuma.

Tuma was dismissed for “dereliction of sworn duties” and “abandonment of post,” as stated in the council’s agenda meeting notes.

During the meeting, Hawkins Mayor Debbie Rushing said they’d received reports that Tuma had not been responding to calls, KLTV reported. 

Hawkins Police Department car

City of Hawkins, Texas, left without any police after last officer is fired. (Hawkins Police Department)

Rushing explained that the officers had not been validly employed because their appointments were not sanctioned by the city council, which resulted in Tuma being the department’s only officer.

“It’s incredible to me that there are still dedicated officers willing to serve in small towns to improve them, and we just need to restore things to how they were,” Rushing mentioned to KETK.

However, shortly after Rushing fired the three officers, the outlet reported she was arrested in May for allegedly “tampering with government records with intent to harm.”

Maloy also told KLTV that the city is currently facing 16 lawsuits, including many of those coming from former officers.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Mayor’s office and police department for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.  

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
American who spent 11 years in prison for Bali 'suitcase murder' freed, deported: reports

American Released and Deported After 11 Years in Bali ‘Suitcase Murder’ Case: Reports

In a significant development, Indonesia has released and deported an American man…
Black History Month 2026: A push for more foster parents in families of color from foster care advocates

Black History Month 2026: Advocates Call for Increased Representation of Families of Color in Foster Parenting

CHICAGO (WLS) — Children often find themselves in difficult situations through no…
Terrifying cartel banner is hung across Tijuana high school near US border -- after drug kingpin killed

Cartel Banner Displayed at Tijuana High School Following Drug Kingpin’s Death Near US Border

A chilling message from a drug cartel was displayed on a banner…
Employee using a trash can to repeatedly fend off an alleged attacker.

Watch: Whataburger Employees Heroically Repel Attacker Using Only a Trash Can and Fry Basket

The phrase “Don’t Mess with Texas” took on new life recently when…
Rep. Rashida Tlaib sparks outrage after chanting 'KKK' during Trump's SOTU address

Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s Bold Chant at Trump’s SOTU Address Stirs Controversy

Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, a member of the progressive “Squad,” ignited…
Ex-Air Force pilot arrested for allegedly training Chinese military pilots without authorization

Former U.S. Air Force Pilot Detained for Illegally Coaching Chinese Military Aviators

A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot has been arrested on charges…
KTLA brutally fires top reporter on her 40th birthday — as she releases cryptic podcast message

Top KTLA Journalist Let Go on Milestone Birthday Amid Mysterious Podcast Remarks

In a shocking turn of events, KTLA has terminated one of its…
Hezbollah won't intervene if US strikes Iran, group says

Hezbollah Declares Non-Involvement in Potential US-Iran Conflict

An official stated on Wednesday that Hezbollah will refrain from engaging in…
Kim Jong Un taps teenage daughter as ‘missile general’ for North Korea nuclear program: reports

Kim Jong Un Appoints Teen Daughter to Lead North Korea’s Missile Program: Reports

In a surprising development reported by South Korean media on Monday, North…
Viral video of giraffes in rainstorm stuns millions: 'They are so innocent'

Stunning Giraffe Rain Dance Captures Hearts Worldwide: A Viral Phenomenon

When it comes to enduring harsh weather, giraffes truly have a unique…
Montoya Perry, charged with carjacking, killing Uber Eats driver Daniel Figueroa with own car on West Side, has criminal history

Montoya Perry Faces Charges in Fatal Carjacking of Uber Eats Driver Daniel Figueroa on West Side: A Look Into His Criminal Record

A tragic incident unfolded in the suburbs of Chicago as a woman…
Jelly Belly lays off 69 employees in Fairfield

Jelly Belly’s Surprising Workforce Shake-Up: 69 Jobs Cut in Fairfield

Jelly Belly is set to undergo significant layoffs in California following the…