Derrick served in public service as a Columbia firefighter and for the last 14 years as a Richland County deputy.



The events on the patio at Buffalo Wild Wings a little more than a week ago were captured on cell phone video shot by customer and Ball's fellow soldier, Steven "WaWa" Hughes.



"I said I'm going to start videoing this because I think something is about to get out of hand," said Hughes. "And about the time I got my video out, he had her turned around and was putting her in handcuffs.



The video, showing Derrick shouting at Ball as he yanked and twisted the handcuff chains, sparked outrage from many who saw it.



It also played a role in a decision by Columbia police arriving at the scene to order Ball released while they took Derrick into custody, charging him with assault and battery.



Last week, Lott disagreed with the police action, saying Derrick had authority to make an arrest and suggesting Ball may have been resisting.



But a state attorney general's opinion does not appear to support the sheriff.



In 2009, that office cited a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that determined a Class 3 officer like Derrick is limited in his law enforcement authority, and "without statutory authority to detain a suspect until another officer arrives..."



Despite the disagreement, Santiago downplayed any friction with the sheriff's department.

