City officials name acting chief for police department in wake of Humble police chief's resignation

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

HUMBLE, Texas (KTRK) -- Humble Police Department Chief Daniel Zientek has resigned from his position effective immediately on Tuesday, according to city officials.

The now-former chief, Zientek, was placed on unpaid leave back in December 2025 amid an ongoing investigation. City officials did not disclose the specific allegations, but the Humble city manager told ABC13 that Zientek received poor marks on an employee satisfaction survey.

The City of Humble told ABC13 that Zientek's investigation has concluded and has no further comment.

City officials announced that Capt. Kris Battenfield, a 20-year veteran of the Humble Police Department, has been named interim police chief. Battenfield has been serving as the acting chief of police since Dec. 12, 2025.

City of Humble Manager Jason Stuebe shared the following statement following the resignation of Zientek:

"I am confident that Interim Chief Battenfield will serve our citizens and department well, as he has shown himself to be a capable law enforcement officer and leader during an uncertain time within our agency. I look forward to working with Kris as we begin to move the police department onward as it carries out its mission for the citizens of Humble," Stuebe said.

The City of Humble said it will conduct a comprehensive search for its next permanent police chief in the coming weeks.

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