New top cop chosen across the river

The Michigan Soo's new police chief will assume his duties later this month. The city commission has approved the hiring of John Riley, currently the public safety director for Center Line, MI.

The Michigan Soo's new police chief will assume his duties later this month.

The city commission has approved the hiring of John Riley, currently the public safety director for Center Line, MI.

The chief-select succeeds two interim chiefs who have led the department since the September 2010 retirement of former chief Lou Murray.

Captain Judd Price became the first interim chief and served in that role until early December when he was suspended without pay after being arrested on I-75 near St. Ignace for driving under the influence.

Price, now retired, subsequently pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .17 or higher.

Melvin Sparks followed Price as interim chief.

Sparks will move into the captain's position vacated by Price.

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