From Staff Reports

WOODFIN — Michael Dykes, Woodfin’s police chief, is no longer employed with the town’s police department, a town spokesperson said April 24, “but did not provide reasoning,” Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported later April 24.

Specifically, “Michael Dykes is no longer employed by the town,” the unnamed town spokesperson said via email on April 24 afternoon, News 13 noted..

“The spokesperson also said that no comment or official statement could be made addressing further information as it is a ‘private personnel matter,’” the TV station stated, adding, “However, for the time being, Kevin Pressley, retired police chief from Black Mountain, has agreed to step in as Woodfin’s interim police chief.”

Meanwhile, the Asheville Citizen Times on April 24 quoted Woodfin Mayor Jim McAllister as saying about Dykes’ sudden departure, “Council has advised us that since it’s a personnel matter, we can’t discuss it in detail, but he is no longer the chief of police of Woodfin.”

The ACT story added, “When asked if Dykes was fired or resigned, McAllister said he cannot share those details but it ‘will become public record before long.’ More information may be disclosed within the next 30 days, McAllister said.”

What’s more, the ACT said it “reached out to Dykes (on) April 24, who said he couldn’t comment at this time.”

At News 13, the “comment bubble” following its Dykes’ sudden departure story included the following:

• johnbarleycorn — “There is no reason to keep it a secret, if he resigned or was fired, but the mayor must not like govt transparency; if he resigned it would be stated, therefore one could assume he was fired, that’s why the mayor won’t say, but taxpayers have a right to know, a police chief being fired is significant news.”

• TheOracle — “In a couple days a salacious news story will run regarding his sudden and shameful departure. “ 

• WindRidge — “And whatever happened to Diaper Pete?”

• TacticaLlama — “Forgot about that one.... “