WILLIAMSON CO., Texas – A Williamson County deputy previously charged with resisting arrest and public intoxication is facing new felony charges after allegedly punching a child in the face.
The new charge includes injury to a child, a third-degree felony in Travis County, the Sheriff’s Department confirmed Friday.
PREVIOUS | WilCo deputy arrested on charges of resisting arrest, public intoxication
On Saturday, March 3, at approximately 9 p.m., 42-year-old Deputy Jack Danford with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office was arrested by members of the Austin Police Department at Oakwood BBQ, 307 East Braker Lane.
An affidavit reveals that police were called out to the restaurant March 3 around 7:45 p.m., after receiving a report that a man had assaulted a 12-year-old, an arrest affidavit said.
According to the affidavit, witnesses saw Danford tackle and then punch a 12-year-old girl after several drinks on the patio.
Just before, the 12-year-old girl, also on the patio, was running around with her small dog. She and her mother were at the barbecue place, waiting for the mother’s boyfriend to finish up a wood delivery.
A witness said Danford picked up the dog, pet it and put it down. After, the victim then began to play with the dog when Danford then quickly jumped up from his seat, tackled the victim, and began punching her.
The witness attempted to push Danford off of the girl which “did not even phase him” before another witness kicked him in the head with a steel-toed boot, knocking him, what appeared to be, unconscious.
The girl was transported to North Austin Medical Center and treated for her injuries, the affidavit said. Testimony from the family revealed they had no interaction with Danford prior to this assault.
Initially, officials reported only the resisting arrest and public intoxication charges that stemmed from the incident.
This is a developing story. Stay with Spectrum News for updates as they become available.