What happened: A Palm Beach County Fire Rescue firefighter was taken into custody Friday and placed on administrative leave Wednesday following a reported domestic disturbance in West Palm Beach.
Background: 44-year-old Christopher Daniel Pica of West Palm Beach was taken into custody after Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a park and playground at 9067 Southern Boulevard around 7:55 p.m., according to a probable cause affidavit. Investigators said a woman told deputies she and Pica had been arguing before the situation turned physical.
She alleged Pica grabbed her by the throat, pinned her against a vehicle, and pushed her to the ground. A witness corroborated parts of her account, and another deputy reported seeing Pica with his hand around the woman's neck, according to the affidavit.
Pica told deputies the two had been arguing and denied grabbing her by the neck or pinning her against the vehicle. He acknowledged pushing her, the report states.
Lucie man accused of trying to extort State Rep. Meg Weinberger He made his first appearance and was released by the judge on his own recognizance, according to reports.
In a statement to News, PBCFR confirmed Pica is an employee and said he informed the agency of his legal situation Wednesday.
The available details are limited to the information verified at publication time. Readers should expect updates as the matter develops.
Any person identified in connection with an alleged offense is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Source: official sources including CBS12 News.
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