SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- After his driving record sparked controversy between City Hall and the District Attorney's office, Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler's son has left his job at the city Parks Department. The mayor's chief of staff says Frank Fowler Jr.’s departure was planned since September, as he prepares to join the Army.

While his leaving may have been planned, the 20-year-old has inadvertently sparked a controversy between his father - the police chief - and Onondaga County DA William Fitzpatrick. Fowler has had three minor accidents while on the job in city vehicles in the last few months, and the dispute is over how the city has handled those accidents.

Fitzpatrick argues the police chief gave his son preferential treatment, while the mayor's office is accusing the DA of pursuing a personal vendetta against the chief. Fitzpatrick has launched a grand jury investigation, claiming Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner impeded his investigation.