INKSTER, Mich. – Inkster Police Chief Hilton Napoleon is resigning.
Napoleon offered a letter of resignation on Thursday, citing the recent "senseless murder of a 2-year-old" girl as support for his decision.
"Over the past three and one half years, I have been working under extreme working conditions," the letter reads. "The lack of resources and adverse working conditions has taken its toll on me. Additionally, the recent senseless murder of a two year old baby makes my decision that much easier. It is my decision at this time to tender my resignation from the Inkster Police Department effective Friday, July 11, 2014."
View: Inkster chief's letter of resignation
The 2-year-old he is referring to is Kamiya Gross. She was shot to death July 1 outside a home in the 30000 block of Carlyle Street. It is alleged the shooter, who also shot Kamiya's father and a 12-year-old girl, was doing so in retaliation. Three people have been arrested in connection to the shooting. A 26-year-old Inkster man faces charges including first-degree murder.
Napoleon is the brother of Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon.
On Friday, he offered more dialogue about why he is stepping down.
"The feeling of, you know, not being able to do the job properly because of a lack of resources, and it's very difficult when you know what to do and you don't have the resources and the things that are necessary to do it," said Hilton Napoleon. "It's the fault of anyone, you know, but Michigan, this region, is going through some hard times and the revenue and the things that are necessary to make the department function the way it's supposed to function doesn't always happen."
The Inkster city manager said Lt. Jeffery Smith, who is a 22-year veteran of the forces, will serve as acting chief until a permanent replacement is found.