Collinsville Police Chief Arrested in Nashville on Aggravated Assault Charge

Nashville-Collinsville Police Chief Stephen Malone was arrested early Sunday morning in Nashville and charged with aggravated assault involving strangulation, according to authorities in Davidson County, Tennessee.

Police records obtained by News 19 indicate the incident occurred around 3 a.m. on February 1 at a residence on 12th Avenue South. Investigators said Malone was visiting a woman with whom he is in a dating relationship when the incident occurred.

According to an arrest affidavit, the encounter began as a verbal argument over alleged cheating. Investigators allege the dispute escalated when Malone struck the victim multiple times in the face with a closed fist. The affidavit further states Malone grabbed the victim by the throat and slammed her down multiple times.

Officers reported observing injuries consistent with the victim’s account, including apparent scratch marks on her neck, bruising to her knees, and bruising to her cheek. Investigators also noted a small scratch on the side of Malone’s nose. Police said the victim told them she scratched Malone in the face in self-defense while attempting to get away.

According to officials, Malone was initially uncooperative when speaking with investigators, repeatedly stating that the victim was intoxicated, needed help, and that he did not want her to get into trouble. After further discussion, Malone agreed to speak with officers and claimed the victim had attacked him and broken his necklace. Authorities said Malone did not provide an explanation for how the victim sustained her injuries.

Investigators determined Malone to be the primary aggressor, noting that the victim’s statements were consistent with the injuries observed at the scene.

Malone was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault–strangulation. No additional information regarding court proceedings or Malone’s employment status has been released at this time.