Washtenaw County sheriff's deputy arrested after domestic dispute

By Lee Higgins Crime and courts reporter

Posted on Mon, Mar 5, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.

Washtenaw County sheriff's deputy Charles Ball is facing criminal charges after police said he was arrested during a domestic dispute Friday morning at his Van Buren Township home.

Ball, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and domestic violence, said Van Buren Township Director of Public Safety Carl McClanahan.

Ball was arraigned Saturday morning in 34th District Court in Romulus and released on a promise to appear, police said. Investigators said Ball had a gun during the dispute that happened at 11:46 a.m. Friday at his home in the 46000 block of Village Green Lane. Police would not release details about the case, but said no one was injured and no one else was arrested.

Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton said Ball has been placed on unpaid leave. In addition to the criminal investigation by township police, the sheriff's department is conducting its own investigation into the incident, Clayton said.

Reached by phone Monday, Ball declined to comment.

Ball has been in law enforcement for more than 27 years and has worked for the sheriff's department in various positions including as a detective and school liaison officer.

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