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Site SearchRocky Mount, N.C. — A state Highway Patrol trooper has been charged with assaulting a Rocky Mount police officer during a confrontation a week ago, authorities said Wednesday.
Trooper Byron Lee Varnell, 34, was charged with assault by strangulation and assault on a government official.
Varnell was placed on paid leave Tuesday. He had been on administrative duty since the Sept. 2 incident.
The State Bureau of Investigation is looking into the incident..
Both the Highway Patrol and Rocky Mount police have declined to identify what led to the confrontation.
Varnell has been a member of the patrol since 2001 and, in 2006, won the department’s Samaritan Award when he pulled a lady from the path of an approaching vehicle, possibly saving her life.
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September 9, 2009 7:31 p.m.
Most people are scared silly when they are pulled over that an overzealous LEO is going to use the nightstick on them.
I graduated high school in 1980 and it's interesting to look at which of my classmates are working in law enforcement.
Those that I graduated with that are in law enforcement are primarily the rednecks, bullies, and trouble makers from my senior class in high school.
Gives you a real good feeling knowing who's in law enforcement when you see the blue lights in your rear view mirror.
September 9, 2009 7:30 p.m.
September 9, 2009 7:10 p.m.
Lots to know that we don't. I wonder if they are being punished for personal actions through their jobs though, or using their jobs to pursue personal retaliation?
Can't help but wonder. They put it out there and drop it like it's hot.
September 9, 2009 7:05 p.m.
I'll take 2.....
September 9, 2009 6:53 p.m.