Chattanooga Police Officer Brian SmithA Chattanooga Police Department officer faces a charge of domestic assault after he reportedly strangled his wife during an argument Sunday, according to a Chattanooga police incident report.
Officer Brian C. Smith, who has worked at the department since 2000, was released on his own recognizance shortly after he was booked at the Hamilton County Jail Thursday afternoon.
The department issued a statement that an internal affairs investigation has been opened. Smith is relieved of duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Smith, 44, began arguing with his wife at their Hixson home over his son attending a birthday party, according to the report. As a result of the argument, Smith's wife, 39-year-old Ginny Smith, cut up family pictures and stabbed two Pittsburgh Steelers footballs that belonged to him because she was angry. She faces a charge of vandalism, the report states.
Smith's wife told an investigator that he came over to where she was sitting and grabbed her around the neck and began strangling her. He then reportedly pushed her back while saying, "If I am going down, it will be for something good. I might as well kill you."
She also said he drew his fist back like he was going to hit her and then pushed it against her face.
Smith told a different version of events. He said he made a fist and cocked it back. He told her, "I should knock your block off." He said he didn't hit her, but instead told her to get out of the room.
Smith is set to appear Tuesday before Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Christine Sell.