01/19/10 - Lauderdale County

Ripley Police Officer Charged
By: Brandon Artiles
bartiles@wbbjtv.com
6:23 p.m.
 
Ripley Police officer Don G. Mullins, 36, posted $7,500 bond, but Police Chief Landis Garrison said Mullins has been suspended from the department with pay. The actions are a result of Mullins suspected involvement in a domestic dispute that he instigated, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Mullins has been charged with aggravated assault, aggravated domestic assault and aggravated burglary from an incident that occurred at his ex-wife’s home on Edith Nankipoo Rd. on January 17. According to the TBI Mullins broke through a window and forced his way into the home, while on-duty, shortly before midnight.

“He broke into the residence and assaulted the individuals,” TBI Special Agent John Mehr said. After breaking into the home Mullins used a baton and attacked his ex-wife and a friend of hers’ that was home at the time.

The TBI report stated that Mullins also used a knife to attack the other man in the home, cutting him on the left arm. Mullins reportedly proceeded to choke his ex-wife wife and even fired a gun shot using his department issued firearm.

Fortunately the round did not hit either of the victims and despite the violence no one was seriously injured. “Nobody received medical attention or requested medical attention when it happened,” Mehr said.

Mullins currently lives in Henning, Tenn., and is next scheduled to appear in Lauderdale County General Sessions Court on February 12, at 8:30 a.m.