CMPD Officer Arrested and Charged with Assault

Published on December 24, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. - (December 24, 2024) – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is conducting a criminal investigation that resulted in the arrest of CMPD Officer Onesiphorus Bernard Williams.

On Tuesday, December 24, 2024, shortly before 5:30 a.m., officers responded to a Domestic Violence Assault with a Deadly Weapon call for service in the North Tryon Division. Officer Williams was voluntarily transported from the scene to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) in Uptown (601 E. Trade St.) to be interviewed. At the conclusion of the interview, Officer Williams was taken into custody and transported to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. Officer Williams is charged with two counts of Assault by Pointing a Gun.

CMPD Internal Affairs is conducting a simultaneous investigation. Officer Williams is currently on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation.

Officer Williams was off duty when the incident occurred.

Officer Williams was hired on October 24, 2022, and is currently assigned to the South Division.

For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20241224-0529-01.

Statement from Chief Jennings:

“I am deeply troubled by the arrest of Officer Williams. Our department holds itself and its officers to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty. This incident is a serious violation of those standards and a betrayal of the public trust we strive to earn every day. We will not tolerate any behavior that undermines the integrity of the CMPD or erodes the confidence of the community we serve. This officer's actions do not reflect the values of the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our city.”

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