Allegheny County sheriff's sergeant fired after domestic incident

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — An Allegheny County sheriff sergeant who was arrested after a domestic violence incident at his home has been fired.

Curtis Sowder, 28, of Bridgeville, was arrested on Jan. 22. He was taken to the Allegheny County Jail on assault charges after the incident involving his spouse, police said. He later posted bail.

RELATED: Allegheny County sheriff sergeant arrested after domestic incident

The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office was advised of the arrest shortly after the incident occurred, and immediately began an investigation regarding the matter.

In a news release on Tuesday, sheriff's office officials said:

"After reviewing the information and evidence regarding the case, the sheriff’s office initiated the disciplinary process on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017. Sgt. Sowder’s employment with the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office was terminated this afternoon.  No further comment will be made at this time."

Blaine Jones, Sowder’s attorney, said his client wasn’t given a fair opportunity to tell his side of the story.

“I was shocked. I was as disappointed as was he - because what happened to do due process? Let's see what happens with the case,” Jones said.

Sowder was in court Monday to face the charges for the incident earlier this month. Channel 11 learned that a deal made then may not happen.

“We struck a deal that he would do certain things, and if he was compliant, the charges would be withdrawn. That was the deal yesterday,” Jones told Channel 11 News.

Court documents state a deputy was watching the home from across the street. The deputy said he saw Sowder “pick up the female in the air and body slam her directly into the floor,” adding he could hear the impact from his location. He said Sowder then dragged her onto the front porch.

Jones said the couple just wants to move on.

“As far as I know, they've reconciled. They're back together. One of the things that helped make the deal yesterday is that Mrs. Sowder signed off on it. She wanted her husband back,” Jones said.

Cox Media Group