COLUMBIA (AP) — A Columbia police officer has been fired after he was charged with criminal domestic violence and driving under the influence.
Interim Police Chief Ruben Santiago says 41-year-old Gerald Atkinson was fired Tuesday.
Santiago has asked the State Law Enforcement Division to investigate a criminal domestic violence allegation against Atkinson in Columbia. Lexington County authorities are investigating another CDV case, as well as a DUI charge against Atkinson.
Atkinson had been on unpaid leave since July 5. It wasn’t known if he had an attorney or when he would appear in court.