Va. deputy sheriff facing DUI, assault charges after woman alleges he punched her

UPDATE: 3:15 p.m.

The Botetourt County Sheriff's Office said deputy sheriff Brightwell was fired from the department.

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BOTETOURT Co., Va. (WSET) -- A Botetourt County deputy sheriff is having multiple charges after a victim alleged he assaulted her in the middle of a road.

The Roanoke County Police Department said officers responded to a disturbance call around 12:30 a.m. Thursday, November 30 where a woman told police she was assaulted and described the suspect vehicle to officers.

A Roanoke County Police sergeant immediately spotted the suspect vehicle driving north on Williamson Road.

When stopped, the police sergeant identified the driver as Michael Henretta Brightwell, III., 27, of Salem, and an off-duty Botetourt County Deputy Sheriff.

The woman told police that Brightwell pulled out in front of her car on Williamson Road, just south of Hershberger Road, in Roanoke, in the northbound lane.

She said this caused her to slam on the brakes and blow her horn.

Then both vehicle continued down Williamson Road with Brightwell's vehicle in front.

At a stop light near the intersection of Williamson Road and Florist Road in Roanoke County, the woman said Brightwell got out of his car and came to hers, with her window down, where he made a threatening statement and then punched her in the abdomen.

She said he went back to his car and drove off.

The woman said she drove to a nearby parking lot and called police.

Police said the woman was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Brightwell was charged with DUI, refusal of blood/breath test, assualt & battery, and unlawful stopping of vehicle or blocking access.

A female passenger in Brightwell's car, identified as Amanda Tarter, 28, of Roanoke, was arrested and charged with drunk in public.