North Port Sun

NORTH PORT, Fla. — A North Port police detective faces kidnapping and battery charges following a domestic dispute with his wife Saturday night, authorities say.

Todd H. Choiniere is accused of handcuffing his wife during an argument at their North Port home, then allegedly attempting to throw her into a swimming pool while she was still bound.

Choiniere, 32, a five-and-a-half-year officer with the NPPD, is on paid administrative leave while the Police Department conducts an Internal Affairs investigation. Police Chief Kevin Vespia said he couldn't comment on details of the case.

Choiniere, who was arrested by a Sarasota County sheriff's deputy, faces a kidnapping-false imprisonment charge, a felony, and a charge of misdemeanor battery. The police IA is separate from the sheriff's investigation, Vespia said, adding that the NPPD did not make the arrest to remove any bias from the case.

Choiniere's next court appearance is set for Jan. 4.

Copyright 2012 North Port Sun