Off-duty CMPD officer accused of assault gets new court date

CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer on leave after being accused of assault appeared in court Friday morning.

Onesiphorus Bernard Williams quickly walked to and got into a waiting truck, while ignoring questions, on his way out of the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.

Williams appeared in person, after being released the day before, in exchange for a written promise to come back to court.

A judge set his next court appearance for April 21.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Off-duty CMPD officer accused of assault

According to CMPD, officers were called for a report of domestic violence assault around 5:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve. That’s when Williams was arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at a victim.

Williams was hired by CMPD in 2022 and is at least the fourth CMPD officer arrested this year. He’s currently on unpaid leave.

CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings released a statement following Williams’ arrest, saying: “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.”

Williams said in court that his next step is to hire a private attorney.

This is a developing story. Check wsoctv.com for updates.

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