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UC Davis Police Chief Steps Down After Pepper-Spraying Incident

DAVIS (CBS / AP) -- The police chief who oversaw the University of California, Davis, police department during its notorious pepper-spraying of Occupy protesters said she is retiring.

Annette Spicuzza told the Sacramento Bee that she does not want the Nov. 18 incident to define her or the university, and she's stepping down so everyone involved can move forward.

Spicuzza has been on paid leave since the incident, along with Lt. John Pike, who sprayed the orange liquid into the faces of seated protesters.

Last week, a task force led by a retired California Supreme Court justice issued a report that blamed the incident on poor planning, communication and decision-making at all levels of the school administration.

The report was especially critical of Spicuzza, Pike and UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

 

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