A Tampa police officer, Steven Barber, was arrested following domestic violence charges sparked by an off-duty incident. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has charged Barber with domestic battery by strangulation, domestic violence battery, and false imprisonment. The incident, which reportedly took place on Thanksgiving, led to the victim being treated at Brandon Regional Hospital for injuries consistent with a physical assault. Deputies assigned to the case responded to the hospital on Thursday, where they discovered the injuries stemmed from an altercation between the victim and Barber. WFLA reported that the investigation revealed Barber had allegedly struck the victim multiple times, including slapping, punching, and kicking.
Barber was on military deployment since March of this year and was expected to resume duties with the Tampa Police Department next month. However, following the recent allegations and subsequent arrest, the department has placed him on administrative leave pending further inquiry. The investigation conducted by HCSO’s Domestic Violence detectives led them to quickly obtain an arrest warrant, and Barber was apprehended on Friday by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. This fast action is a stark reminder of the severity of domestic violence cases, and authorities are taking measures to ensure abusers are held accountable. Barber, who has served at Tampa Police since September 2007, is due to be transported to Orient Road Jail, as per WTSP.
In statements made by local law enforcement leaders, there was a unanimous expression of zero tolerance for domestic violence. “Domestic violence is a serious crime, and no one is above the law,” stated Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, empathizing with the victim and condemning the reported actions taken by Barber. He affirmed that such behaviors are not representative of the department’s values. In addition, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister commented on the issue, saying, “The actions described in this case are disturbing and completely unacceptable,” adding that no rank or title can excuse violence at home. Both statements were obtained by respective local news agencies, as per WTSP…