BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -
Harrison County Sheriff Melvin Brisolara said a deputy accused of assaulting his wife, who is also a deputy, has been placed on administration leave pending an internal investigation. Sheriff Brisolara said Matthew Christopher Cooper, 27, has bonded out of the Harrison County jail on $50,000 bond.
Meanwhile, a criminal investigation is underway in Biloxi. Around 8 pm on Friday, Biloxi police arrested Cooper and charged him with aggravated domestic assault by choking.
Police said Cooper's wife reported she'd been assaulted by her husband at their apartment on Lejuene Drive. Officers said she alleged that while he was dressed in his law enforcement uniform, her husband grabbed her by the throat with both hands, held her down and choked her. She accused Cooper of drawing his Glock 22 service weapon and pointing it at her before leaving the scene. Biloxi police said the woman did not seek medical treatment.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Melvin Brisolara said the Sheriff's Department is conducting its own investigation because the incident involves Harrison County Sheriff's Department employees.
"We have an internal investigation. This is a serious issue," said Sheriff Brisolara. "I'm going to do everything I can to assure everybody that we did everything we could to uncover what happened."
The sheriff said the wife has not been placed on leave.
Biloxi Police are asking anyone with more information regarding this incident or any other criminal activity should contact the Biloxi Police Department at 392-0641, the Criminal Investigations Division at 435-6112, Crime Stoppers 1-877-787-5898, text CSTIP to 274637 (CRIMES) or give a tip online at mscoastcrimestoppers.com.
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