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Incident currently under investigation by SBI, District Attorney’s office

 

COLUMBUS—On Tuesday, May 13, Polk County Sheriff Timothy Wright was involved in a physical altercation with the husband of his former longtime partner. 

Eric Volmrich, of Columbus, alleges he was assaulted by Wright. 

The altercation took place in the driveway of a residence jointly owned by Wright and his former partner, Brandy Volmrich, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. 

The release states that Wright was at the residence to retrieve his mail and as he was leaving a male approached his vehicle. PCSO says Wright exited his vehicle to speak with the individual, who became belligerent towards him, leading to the altercation and forcing Wright to defend himself. 

In a social media post, Eric Volmrich said that he wasn’t being belligerent and asked Wright to leave the property before he was thrown to the ground by the sheriff. 

“I was assaulted by Tim Wright,” said Volmrich on Wednesday. “We stood chest to chest, said some words to each other and then he hit me and threw me down to the ground.”

Polk County Medical Services and Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and transported Volmrich to a nearby hospital with head injuries. He was released later that day.

No criminal charges have been filed. The incident is currently being investigated by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, as well as the 42nd Prosecutorial District Attorney’s Office.

“I am unable to go into much detail about the altercation as it is currently being investigated by the SBI,” said PCSO Chief Deputy Jeff Ramsey. “However, I can say that the sheriff’s office contacted the SBI immediately while at the scene and there is nothing that we have to hide. We are anticipating a thorough investigation and a conclusion so we can put this behind us.” 

Brandy and Eric Volmrich said they requested a domestic protective order against Sheriff Wright, but were denied. 

The Bulletin will provide more information on the investigation as it becomes available.