Birmingham Police Officer Charged with Domestic Violence
This week, Birmingham is facing a serious situation as one of its police officers has been charged with felony domestic violence. Officer Justin Bisharat, 28, was formally charged with domestic violence/strangulation, as announced by police officials on Friday. The incident that led to the investigation occurred Thursday when a woman reported it at police headquarters.
Incident Reported to Police Headquarters
The woman, who described her relationship with Bisharat as “on and off” for a long time, went directly to the police headquarters to reveal details about the altercation. According to Officer Truman Fitzgerald, who is part of the Birmingham Police Department, once the report was filed, the Internal Affairs Division promptly initiated an investigation. The matter was then handed over to the department’s Special Victims Unit for a thorough inquiry.
Details of the Altercation
Detectives interviewed both the woman and Officer Bisharat and learned that the physical confrontation took place in the 2700 Block of 4th Avenue South. It’s important to note that Bisharat was on duty at the time of the incident, though he was not operating a City of Birmingham police vehicle. After speaking with the victim, investigators observed visible injuries, which further prompted the arrest.
Officer’s Custody and Legal Proceedings
Following the investigation, Officer Bisharat was taken into custody and held at the city jail with a 48-hour hold. The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office moved quickly to issue a warrant for his arrest. As of Friday, he is in the process of being booked into the county jail, where his bond is set at $30,000.
Police Department’s Response
In response to the incident, Police Chief Scott Thurmond spoke out, emphasizing that the Birmingham Police Department takes situations like these very seriously. “The Birmingham Police Department acted swiftly upon notification of this incident and conducted a full investigation,” Chief Thurmond stated. He went on to assert that this behavior is unacceptable, saying, “The Birmingham Police Department does not condone this type of behavior and will not tolerate it.”
Community Reaction
The news of an officer’s involvement in such a serious crime has raised concerns among the community. Citizens express a mixture of shock and disappointment, emphasizing the need for accountability within the police force. Reactions have varied, with many highlighting the challenges of maintaining trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Continuing Investigation
As the investigation proceeds, community members are kept informed about further developments. Local officials have made it clear that the integrity of the police department is a priority and that they will keep the public updated on the case as it unfolds. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence issues and the role of law enforcement in ensuring public safety.
What’s Next for Officer Bisharat?
Looking ahead, Officer Bisharat will face the legal consequences of his actions, and the outcome of the case will likely impact both his career and the Birmingham Police Department moving forward. Citizens are encouraged to stay engaged and informed as more details emerge in the coming days.
As the investigation continues, the community is reminded of the resources available for those affected by domestic violence, including local shelters and hotlines that can provide support and assistance.
