By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
FLORENCE — A Florence police officer has been placed on administrative leave after his arrest on a domestic violence charge, officials confirmed Saturday.
Officer Evan Thornton was charged with domestic violence, third degree, and booked into the Lauderdale County Detention Center on a $5,000 bond, according to the Florence Police Department.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a 911 call involving Thornton and another individual. Several witnesses were interviewed at the scene before Thornton was taken into custody.
In a public statement, the Florence Police Department noted that Thornton is “presumed innocent until proven guilty” and confirmed that he had been placed on leave.
Investigation Underway
Administrative leave is standard procedure when an officer is arrested, allowing both internal reviews and outside investigations to move forward.
Under Alabama law, domestic violence in the third degree is a misdemeanor, typically involving harassment, threats, or physical harm against a household member. A conviction can bring jail time, fines, and other penalties.