The head of Utah’s Moab Police Department is stepping away from his post and taking a leave of absence just days after the city announced it would be investigating officers’ handling of a possible domestic violence case last month involving Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie, Fox News Digital has confirmed. 

Police Chief Bret Edge requested a leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act that began Monday, Lisa Church, communications director for the City of Moab, confirmed to Fox News. The Moab Times-Independent was first to report the news. 

Edge and Moab Mayor Emily Niehaus did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request seeking comment. Meanwhile, Church declined to answer further questions regarding the reason for Edge’s absence or whether it was related to recent controversies within the department. It was not clear when Edge would return to his post, or who would take his place in the meantime.