Update 2/27/2020:
MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. — The former chief of police in Etowah, who was wanted on a misdemeanor arrest warrant stemming from a domestic incident, has turned himself into McMinn County authorities.
According to McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy, Timothy Eric Armstrong turned himself in at around 10 a.m. Thursday for the incident that happened near Etowah Sunday morning.
He was released after making the $500 bond, Guy said.
Armstrong will have an appearance in McMinn County General Sessions Court before Judge Wiley Richardson in March, according to the sheriff's office.
“We are relieved that Eric has turned himself in on the warrant,” Sheriff Joe Guy said. “We hope the situation turns out as well as possible for all involved.”
Original story 2/24/2020:
The McMinn County Sheriff's Office is searching for the Etowah chief of police who has charges pending after a domestic incident on Sunday, according to a release.
McMinn County Sheriff’s Department deputies said they responded to a domestic incident at a residence on County Road 461 near Etowah before 6 a.m. Sunday, where a woman reported an assault stemming from a domestic argument.
Deputies said they took a report from a woman who had suffered a facial injury, which she said was caused by her boyfriend, Eric Armstrong, who was the Etowah chief of police, during a fight between them.
Deputies investigated the situation as a domestic violence incident, according to a release. Charges are pending against Armstrong, who had left the scene before the arrival of the deputies.
The victim refused medical treatment by the responding ambulance and was taken to another family member’s residence.
“Our officers checked several locations but were unsuccessful in locating him all day on Sunday, nor last night,” Sheriff Joe Guy said. “We hope we are able to speak with him today. It is difficult to deal with a domestic situation involving a law enforcement officer, especially someone you have worked your whole career with, but the incident must be investigated as any other domestic incident.”
An assault by domestic violence arrest warrant for Armstrong is currently on file awaiting either his arrest or for him to turn himself into the McMinn County Jail, according to the sheriff.
The city manager officially terminated Armstrong from the position as Chief of Police as of 6 a.m. on Monday.
Jim Shaw will be acting chief of police until further notice, City Manager Tina M. Tuggle said in a release.
The investigation is under the control of the McMinn County Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney's office. The City of Etowah Police Department will take no part in this investigation, according to the city manager.