HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Outgoing Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck will be suspended for three days for leaving his handgun in the Kauai Police Department bathroom.

A police report obtained by HNN Investigates said Raybuck’s service weapon was turned into evidence March 4 after an officer found it in the men’s restroom, wedged between the wall and the disabled assist bar.

County officials say the date of his suspension has not yet been determined.

The Kauai Police Commission initiated disciplinary proceedings Friday, with complaints alleging that the chief retaliated against the officer who found the gun and against the officer who recorded it as evidence.

The commission announced Friday that it would not act on the complaints because “the evidence does not support the allegations made in the complaints to justify further action.”

Raybuck announced last week that he would retire next year. The commission said his retirement was not tied to any settlement or other agreement.

Raybuck released the following statement on Friday:

“After nearly seven months, the investigation into two of the retaliation complaints filed against me has been completed. The result confirmed what I publicly stated in April: I have not and will not retaliate against my employees. Additionally, it would be ridiculous for me to retaliate against my employees for an incident that I self-reported in a timely manner to the police commission before a complaint was filed against me.

Previous complaints filed against me were presented to the media before I was informed of the allegations and an investigation was completed. This practice did not allow me to benefit from due process and appears to be intended to create public shame and exert political pressure on me.

I recognize that public control is part of the job of a public official. However, it is unfair for my family to continue to bear the emotional burden resulting from individuals whose intentions are to attack my reputation and make false statements against me. It is for this reason alone that I have decided to retire from law enforcement.

All complaints should be taken seriously and retaliation should never be tolerated against employees or their supervisors. I respect the investigative process and appreciate the efforts that were made to uncover the truth.

Today I accepted the notice and received a three-day suspension from the Police Commission related to my failure to properly secure my firearm on Police Department property. As stated previously, I accept full responsibility for my actions.

Some of my most valuable lessons in life have been learned through my mistakes. I hope others have learned the importance of properly securing firearms from my experience.

I would like to thank the Police Commission for their trust and support in my leadership. Contrary to speculation, I was not asked or forced to retire, nor did I announce my retirement to escape any investigation or discipline.

I am confident that KPD leadership will continue to work diligently to improve the services we provide to our employees and the community. I will continue to provide the necessary leadership and support for the remainder of my time with the department.

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