From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–Birmingham Police Department SVU detectives have obtained an arrested warrant on a BPD officer in the wake of a domestic violence incident, according to BPD Officer Truman Fitzgerald.
On Thursday, Sept. 19, a woman came to BPD Headquarters to report a domestic violence incident that involved her long-term “on and off” boyfriend who is a BPD Officer.
According to Fitzgerald, BPD Internal Affairs Division immediately investigated the incident and referred the case to BPD SVU detectives.
Detectives interviewed both parties involved and learned that the two had been involved in a physical altercation in the 2700 Block of 4th Avenue South.
BPD SVU detectives learned the officer was on duty but was not in a City of Birmingham police vehicle.
Detectives also observed visible injuries on the victim.
The BPD officer involved was placed on a 48-hour felony extension at the Birmingham City Jail on a charge of domestic violence strangulation.
On Friday, Sept. 20, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office issued an arrest warrant for DV strangulation on 28-year-old Justin Bisharat.
Bisharat will be transported to the Jefferson County Jail and will have a $30,000 bond.
“The Birmingham Police Department acted swiftly upon notification of this incident and conducted a full investigation,” BPD Chief Scott Thurmond.
“The Birmingham Police Department does not condone this type of behavior and will not tolerate it.”
