A Florida sheriff's sergeant allegedly punched a referee during a children's soccer game and was arrested on Tuesday.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Sgt. Michael Russell, who was removed from his position, was arrested on a felony charge of battery on a sports official, Sheriff T.K. Waters said via WJXT-TV.
Waters held a news conference to detail the arrest, pointing out that despite Russell being one of their own, no one is above the law.
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"We never relish arresting an employee of this agency," he said. "However, our collective belief in transparency, openness and accountability outweighs any personal allegiance. We are a society of laws, and no one is above those laws."
The alleged incident with Russell occurred Sunday morning while he was off duty at the game. A fight had broken out between players on either team and referees tried to break it up, blowing their whistles and getting in the middle of the players.
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However, Russell felt the urge to go on the field and punch one of the referees, Waters explained. There appeared to be no explanation as to why.
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"It’s really confusing to me. It’s disappointing," Waters said.
Russell has been a member of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for 14 years, but Waters mentioned that an "administrative review" will be coming for him after the criminal investigation reaches a close.
While Russell was removed from his post as a homicide sergeant, he remains in employment during the sheriff's office investigation.
