A Hamilton County Sheriff's Office corrections officer was booked Tuesday into the jail where he works on charges of aggravated assault, domestic assault and kidnapping.
Chattanooga police arrested Robert Lee Johnson Jr., 25, early Tuesday morning. He is accused of holding a woman in his apartment, putting a gun to her head and threatening to kill her, police spokeswoman Rebecca Royval said.
Crystal Zeppa told investigators Mr. Johnson dragged her by her hair as she tried to leave the apartment at 5873 Lake Resort Terrace, then choked and bit her before she escaped to the parking lot, Officer Royval said.
Chattanooga police met her in the parking lot, Officer Royval said, and she was taken to a local hospital.
Officer Johnson was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a Nov. 17 preliminary court hearing and an internal affairs investigation, sheriff's spokeswoman Janice Atkinson said.
Ms. Atkinson said she wasn't worried about Mr. Johnson being held in the Hamilton County Jail, where he has been in charge of the prisoners.
"I'm sure they'll take every precaution," Ms. Atkinson said.
Records show that, other than tickets for speeding and a stop sign violation, Officer Johnson's criminal history is clear.
Sheriff Jim Hammond did not return messages seeking comment Tuesday afternoon.
Officer Johnson could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Or login with:
New Account