Texas Rangers

Wise County Deputy Fired, Accused of Assaulting Family Member

A Wise County Deputy is out of a job and under arrest Tuesday, accused of assaulting and choking a family member.

In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff's office said Deputy Taylor Alan Whittle had been fired, arrested and charged with assault family violence -- impeding breathing or circulation and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The first charge is a third-degree felony, the latter a second-degree felony.

Officials said an incident filed Monday alleged Whittle assaulted and choked a family member on Sunday and was accused of committing other offenses within the city of Decatur.

The investigation into the allegations is being handled by the Texas Rangers and the Decatur Police Department. Investigators did not reveal further who Whittle allegedly assaulted or what the additional offenses were.

"The Wise County Sheriff’s Office holds it employees to a high standard, and we cannot allow violations of the law or of our policies," the sheriff's department said in a statement. "We are proud of the many fine women and men who continue to wear the WCSO uniform and represent what a professional sheriff’s office should be."

As of this writing Whittle is being held in the Wise County Jail. His bond amount is not known and it's not clear if he's obtained an attorney.

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