Sabian Warren

swarren@citizen-times.com

ASHEVILLE – A city police officer is behind bars on a charge of assaulting a female.

Ethan Taylor Russell, 22, of Asheville Springs Circle, was charged early Thursday, according to a warrant at the Buncombe County magistrate’s office. The alleged assault happened Wednesday night.

Russell is accused of “holding female down and covering her mouth while telling her to shut up. And pushing female up against a wall by her neck using his hands,” according to the warrant.

Russell was taken into custody at his home by a Buncombe County sheriff’s deputy.

Russell made his first court appearance Thursday on the misdemeanor charge in Buncombe County District Court. He remains jailed at the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $2,000 secured bond.

Russell has been on the city police force since Sept. 16, 2013, city spokeswoman Dawa Hitch said. She said she could not discuss whether any disciplinary action would be taken against him because the case is a personnel matter.

Asheville police spokesman Sgt. Dave Romick could not be reached for comment.