Lovell stepping down as Portland police chief; new interim chief announced

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Portland Police Bureau Chief Chuck Lovell is leaving his post and an interim police chief has been announced, the city's top cop and Mayor Ted Wheeler announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Lovell's last day as chief will be Oct. 11, while the new interim chief, who will be expected to stay in the role until at least 2025 when the new city government takes hold, will be Bob Day, a former police deputy chief who is leaving retirement, Wheeler said.

"Personally, for me, it's a time for transition," Lovell said, who added during his announcement that he will be staying with the bureau overseeing community engagement work.

More to come, earlier story below:

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and police chief Chuck Lovell are holding a press conference Wednesday afternoon, the city announced earlier in the day.

Details of the event were limited ahead of the press conference, which is slated to start at 12:30 p.m.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.