Editor

A Winnsboro Department of Public Safety officer has been arrested in connection with an domestic-type incident that took place at his residence in Winnsboro this past Tuesday night.

According to the incident report, Cpl. Eric Branham, 24, of Fairview Road, Winnsboro was arrested and charged with pointing and presenting a firearm.

According to WDPS Chief Wayne Yates, while off duty, Branham was involved in a domestic-related incident with his girfriend and two other people, that escalated to the point where Branham “crossed the line in the handling of it, became outraged at several people, and used very poor judgement by presenting a firearm (a shotgun) into the situation,” said Chief Yates, and pointing the weapon at several people.

Law enforcement was called, and based on the investigation, Branham was arrested on the scene and charged with pointing and presenting a firearm, said Yates.

“I believe law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard. They should be able to utilize better judgement when it comes to handling a domestic-type situation like that,” he said.

“If we are called to a police officer’s residence, they will be treated the same as we treat any other person; fairly and equally.”

According to Chief Yates, officer Branham has been suspended following his arrest, and “because of the situation, more than likely, he will be terminated,” said Chief Yates.

He commended the arresting officers for being fair and equal in the arrest.

“It was by the book,” Chief Yates said.