Fullerton police chief extends leave amid homeless beating controversy

Fullerton Police Chief Michael Sellers has extended his medical leave of absence for another 30 days amid calls for criminal charges to be filed against six officers involved in the brutal beating of a homeless man.

The man died five days after the violent altercation.

Sellers took a sudden leave last month as pressure mounted for him to answer questions about the night of July 5, when officers responding to reports of an attempted vehicle break-in confronted Kelly Thomas, a 37-year-old schizophrenic homeless man. City officials said Seller's doctor indicated he had high blood pressure due to stress.

Fullerton Police Sgt. Andrew Goodrich said the city received a letter requesting a 30-day extension from the chief's doctor. Sellers earns $228,576 annually.