A Pueblo County Sheriff’s deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave as he faces misdemeanor charges related to a domestic incident. Austen Philips, 26, is accused of harassment, criminal mischief, and domestic violence following an altercation with his ex-girlfriend on January 22.
According to the arrest affidavit, Philips went to his ex-girlfriend’s house, where an argument escalated. She claims that during the dispute, Philips punched holes in her wall, grabbed her by the shirt collar, and threw a vacuum across the room before leaving.
When contacted by deputies, Philips denied punching the wall, stating that his ex was the one who threw the vacuum. The woman, however, mentioned that she didn’t feel pain when Philips allegedly grabbed her and added that he had never physically harmed her before.
This isn’t Philips’ first issue with law enforcement. Colorado Peace Officer records show that he was previously employed by the Canon City Police Department but was “terminated for cause” in August. KRDO13 has requested his termination letter to determine the reason for his dismissal and is awaiting further details.
