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Johnston Deputy Fired, Arrested

A Johnston County deputy was fired Tuesday, shortly before he was arrested on three counts of assault, authorities said Wednesday.

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SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A Johnston County deputy was fired Tuesday, shortly before he was arrested on three counts of assault, authorities said Wednesday.

Scott Richardson was a 10-year veteran of the Johnston County Sheriff's Department, having served as a patrol officer, a member of the narcotics unit and a school resource office at North Johnston High School.

Richardson's ex-girlfriend said he grabbed her by the wrist and tried to force her into a car, according to an arrest warrant. Warrants said Richardson then punched and pushed the woman's brother-in-law and punched another man before pulling a knife and threatening to kill the second man.

The woman took out a restraining order against Richardson on Wednesday, saying he also threatened to kill her.

Sheriff Steve Bizzell declined to comment on the case, calling it a personnel matter. He did say he thought it was in the best interest of the county to fire Richardson after speaking with the three accusers.

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