An internal investigation is being conducted by the Carson City Sheriff's Department to determine if an off-duty deputy was at fault in an alleged assault on a bar patron on Christmas Eve.
According to dispatch records, a man called 911 at 11:57 p.m. and reported he'd been assaulted by the off-duty deputy outside the Old Globe bar on Curry Street.
The man told police the deputy grabbed him from behind in a choke hold and threw him to the ground while he talked on his cell phone. The deputy told officers that the man confronted him outside the bar, and came at him aggressively, so he threw him to the ground in self defense and walked away.
Sheriff Ken Furlong confirmed that an internal investigation is underway.
He said a report was taken at the scene, and will be forwarded to the district attorney's office for review of any criminal charges. The internal investigation findings will be forwarded to the sheriff for administrative actions should any be warranted.
The man reported that he suffered at least one broken rib in the alleged attack. The fight is believed to have been prompted by the man's ex-wife who is now dating the deputy.
After hearing from both sides, a justice of the peace on Thursday denied a restraining order against the deputy.
The deputy, a 7-year veteran of the department, is on vacation and not working at this time, said Furlong.
• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.