Cold water assistant. police chief released ROR after domestic violence arrest, sheriff's office says

COLDWATER, Miss. (WMC) – Coldwater Deputy Police Chief Walter French, 40, faces charges of domestic violence and simple assault.

Tunica County Sheriff's Office records show French was booked Thursday evening and released on his own recognizance less than two hours later.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies received a call last Friday, May 31, from a 22-year-old woman who reported being attacked by French people at a home in Tunica.

The victim's grandfather said the two shared a 1-year-old son.

“It could be jealousy, something like that. I didn’t see any real harm,” said the victim’s grandfather, Billy Simon. “This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”

A TCSO statement offers no insight into the events leading up to the charges against French, including the alleged victim's injuries, but says a domestic violence investigation has been opened and a warrant for the arrest of French was issued before he turned himself in Thursday evening.

French maintains his innocence, telling his police chief, Rickey Dandridge, that the accusations are based on lies.

Dandridge says the allegations are shocking and prays French is exonerated.

“He said he was innocent and I believe him,” Chief Dandridge said. “He’s a good person character-wise. He has been here since 2022, he has been a good officer, he has not caused me any problems. So, again, to find the charges that he's accused of is very shocking, and again, we are not above the law.

For now, the 40-year-old deputy police chief will remain on paid leave until the investigation is completed. French is due in court on June 20.

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