North Carolina Trooper Charged With Assault Against Cop
Cops and law enforcement officers are trained to deal with difficult situations, handle tense matters, and diffuse angry confrontations. But sometimes even police officers can make serious mistakes and exercise extremely bad judgment. At least, I am sure that’s what Trooper Byron Lee Varnell is thinking this week as he waits to face charges of Assault by Strangulation and Assault on a Government Official.
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According to WRAL, a few weeks ago a confrontation occurred between Varnell, a 34 year old State Trooper, and a Rocky Mount Police Officer. The victims name is not known nor is the reason for the confrontation. Since the charges were issued, Varnell has been placed on paid leave as the SBI looks into the situation.
This could have been an incident of two off duty acquaintances having a misunderstanding. It may also have to do with territory and the fact that the State Highway Patrol, Rocky Mount Police, and FBI are all working together on the well publicized cases of missing women and unsolved murders in the Rocky Mount area.
Whatever the reason for the alleged assault, Varnell is facing some significant repercussions. Because the assault charges include strangulation and a victim who is a police officer, Varnell could face a harsher penalty. Many assault crimes in North Carolina are considered felonies, for which Varnell could potentially serve prison time.
This case goes to show that not everyone accused of criminal activities fits the stereotypical profile of a criminal. Trooper Varnell has been with the Highway Patrol for 8 years and was awarded special recognition in 2006 when he pulled a woman to safety from the path of an oncoming car.
When you face criminal charges like Assault, it is common to feel like you are being judged long before your day in court. However, I understand that all kinds of people get accused of crimes, and your case doesn’t necessarily make you a bad person.
I want to know the details of your case and potentially help you get the results you deserve in NC criminal courts. Call me today to discuss the situation that led to your charges.