Possible Red Flags in Police Officer’s Past

GASTON CO., N.C. – Ex-Gaston County Police Officer Tim Leophard is charged with assaulting and threatening his wife in front of their kids on Christmas Eve. And now WCCB has learned that on February 5, 2016, Stanley Police were called to Kiser Elementary School after Leophard allegedly disrupted a kids basketball game.

The call for service report says Leophard called a woman there “a stupid (blank)” and threatened to “beat her to the ground right here” as he walked toward her. The report says Leophard also threatened a man who intervened, telling him he would “beat his fat (blank).”

Leophard left the gym, with his wife, before police arrived. The man and woman he allegedly threatened that day declined to press charges. She said she knew that could get Leophard fired, and the report indicates she “simply wanted the incident documented.”

Stanley Police Chief Derek Summey sent an email to Gaston County Police Chief Joe Ramey on February 12, telling him, in part, “We have informed Tim that he is trespassed from all Town of Stanley recreational facilities until further notice…” However, I am concerned about the well-being of (Leophard’s wife) and kids considering his volatile behavior and alleged past domestics between them.” He continued, “…his wife is also a teacher at Kiser Elementary School which also raises the level of concern for all involved.”

Chief Ramey didn’t reply to WCCB when we asked Friday if anyone from his department contacted the school system to make them aware of the February incident.

Meantime, Summey tells WCCB that after the Christmas Eve incident, now, Stanley Police “are taking additional measures to make sure everyone at the school is safe.”

Leophard is out of jail, on bond. He is still banned from all Stanley rec facilities. He was shot in the line of duty in 2015 and was then classified as “inactive.” Now, he is no longer an officer, but remains a county employee.