Bellevue Police Chief Steve Mylett was placed on leave Aug. 2 following criminal allegations reported to the Bothell Police Department.

The alleged incident occurred more than a year ago in Bothell, according to a statement from the city, and Mylett was placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with city of Bellevue policy.

“Whenever there is a criminal investigation underway involving a police department employee, it is our policy to place the employee on administrative leave,” said Bellevue city manager Brad Miyake in a press release. “We took immediate action when we learned of the allegation.”

Miyake appointed Assistant Police Chief Patrick Arpin to serve as acting police chief during the investigation.

Bellevue’s human resources department and attorney’s office is conducting an internal investigation, alongside the Bothell police investigation, with assistance from an outside investigator.

“The city of Bellevue takes such allegations very seriously,” Miyake said. “To ensure a fair and thorough process for everyone involved, we will not provide further comment prior to the completion of the internal and external investigations.”

The Reporter will update this story as it develops.