Walter French, the 40-year-old Assistant Police Chief of Coldwater Police Department, reportedly turned himself in following a domestic violence allegation. According to the Fox 13 Memphis report, French is facing charges after a 22-year-old woman contacted the Tunica County Sheriff's Office, claiming she had been assaulted by French.
The incident, which occurred the night of May 31, led to deputies promptly responding to the scene, although French was absent upon their arrival which led to the issuance of a warrant for his arrest. After his surrender to authorities, French was subsequently released from Tunica County Jail, it was reported by Local Memphis, on the condition of his own recognizance. He is slated to appear before Tunica County Justice Court on June 20.
In the wake of the arrest, details surrounding the incident and the victim's injuries have not been publicly disclosed. The victim, who shares a one-year-old son with French, received victim's grandfather's comments who did not see "no real harm done," believing that jealousy might have been a motive, according to a statement obtained by Action News 5. Adding to the complexity of the case, Billy Simon, the grandfather stated, "This is the first I’ve heard of it."
Maintaining his innocence, French has vociferously disputed the charges. He conveyed to his superior, Police Chief Rickey Dandridge, that the allegations are rooted in lies. The case remains active, with the Coldwater Police Department and the Tunica County Sheriff's Office continuing their investigation into the matter. A formal statement from TCSO confirmed the ongoing domestic violence investigation, but further particulars, including the specifics of the alleged assault, are still pending.
