The city of Lithonia has named a 24-year veteran of law enforcement as its next police chief.

Kennis R. Harrell, who previously worked for the DeKalb County police department, was selected out of 21 candidates, Mayor Tonya Peterson Anderson said Thursday. Harrell took over as chief on Monday, she said.

Harrell joined the DeKalb police force as an officer in 1986 and has since served as deputy chief, police major and police captain, Anderson said.

Harrell is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and holds a master's degree in criminal justice from Georgia State University.

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Atlanta art and antiques appraiser and auctioneer Allan Baitcher (right) takes bids during a 2020 auction. Baitcher and his company, Peachtree Antiques, are being sued by a Florida multimillionaire who says he paid them $20 million for fakes. (AJC 2020)

Credit: Phil Skinner / Staff