The commander of the D.C. police’s 5th District opted to retire after the internal affairs department launched an investigation and he was placed on administrative leave when police officials learned he was the subject of “an investigative news story,” police officials said in a statement Thursday.

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       Cmdr. William FitzGerald, who supervised patrol officers and investigators across much of Northeast Washington, submitted his intention to retire later this month after three decades of service, according to police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck. Police officials declined to describe the nature of the probe, citing the ongoing investigation.

       FitzGerald declined to comment Thursday evening.

       He joined the force in 1990 and served in patrol posts in Northwest and later supervised investigative and intelligence units as he rose in rank, according the agency’s website. While working in the 4th District in 2001, police officials named him Investigator of the Year, the website said.

       FitzGerald could not immediately be reached for comment.