William Everette Tindal, a Lake City police officer and former Darlington County sheriff's deputy, was charged Thursday with Assault and Misconduct in Office.
According to the arrest warrant, on March 9, 2011, Tindal, while working at the Darlington County Sheriff's Office, assaulted a man who he arrested for Driving Under the Influence.
The warrant says Tindal hit the suspect "on or about the head," while the suspect was handcuffed.
Tindal now works for the Lake City Police Department. Chief Billy Brown says Tindal joined his department in January. Tindal is suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Tindale's attorney is Rosemary Parham.
"Officer Billy Tindale is innocent of these charges, and we look forward to our day in court. We will ask that a trial be held as soon as possible," Parham said.
