A Lynchburg Police officer is charged with assault & battery and trespassing after an incident last week in the Boonsboro area. Lynchburg police received a 911 call last Thursday afternoon for an assault and determined that an off-duty LPD officer was involved. Lieutenant Brian Smith is on administrative leave with pay while state police conduct a criminal investigation and Lynchburg Police conduct an internal investigation. Smith has been with the department for 19 years. In a news release, police said that one person has a protective order against Smith, and that Smith also obtained a protective order and warrant for assault and battery against that individual and another person.
Here is the entire news release from Lynchburg Police:
Incident Involving LPD Officer
On Thursday, May 19 at 12:31 p.m. the Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) received a 911 call for an assault in the Boonsboro area of the city. Patrol officers arrived on scene and determined that an off-duty LPD officer was involved in this incident.
As a result, the LPD requested the Virginia State Police conduct the criminal investigation into this matter. The LPD is conducting an internal investigation. The involved officer was placed on administrative leave with pay on Friday, May 20 and remains in that status pending the adjudication of the criminal investigation and the outcome of the internal investigation.
Earlier today, Brian Smith was charged by the Virginia State Police with one count of trespassing and one count of assault and battery. Smith has served with the LPD for 19 years and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant in the Administrative Division. Any inquiries on the criminal investigation should be directed to the Virginia State Police.
Additionally, on Thursday, May 19, one of the involved parties in this incident obtained a protective order against Smith. Smith also obtained a protective order and warrant for assault and battery against the same individual as well as a second involved party.