Orangeburg Police chief releases statement after public safety officer charged with assault

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– Friday, August 28, Orangeburg Police Chief Charles Austin released a statement after an Orangeburg Department of Public Safety officer was charged with assault.

Christopher James Tyler, a 35-year-old, was arrested and charged with assault and battery in the second degree, say officials.

The charge came after SLED investigators say Christopher Tyler punched a handcuffed suspect and slammed his head into a brick wall.

Police Chief Charles Austin’s statement in part reads, “The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety remains committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of the community we serve. Our officers are held to high standards, and when those standards are not met, we will take appropriate action in accordance with department policy and the law.”

Read the full statement below: