Osceola County deputy arrested, accused of slamming wife's head against wall

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — An Osceola County sheriff's deputy was arrested Sunday after being accused of slamming his wife's head against a wall, according to a report.

Richard Ortiz, 34, has been with the sheriff’s office for nearly two years and worked in Miami for seven years.

The deputy's brother told investigators he heard an argument outside his room about 3 a.m. Sunday, and looked out his bedroom window, watching as Ortiz dragged his wife out of of the car by her arms.

While inside the home, the deputy's brother said Ortiz grabbed a chair, slammed it to the floor and then pushed his wife before he hit her head against a wall, according to a report.

When his wife threatened to leave and call 911, investigators said Ortiz threatened to commit suicide and drove away in his marked patrol car.

Investigators said the deputy's wife denied the argument turned physical, but detectives took pictures of minor injuries on her arms, which they said were consistent with being grabbed.

Ortiz was arrested at the Osceola County Sheriff's Office and charged with domestic violence.

The statements he gave to investigators were redacted.

It's unclear what why the couple was arguing.

The sheriff's office has not said if an internal investigation has started.

Cox Media Group