By T. Scott Boatright
Grambling Mayor Edward Jones said Wednesday night that Grambling Fire Chief Patrick Conley has been placed on leave without pay following Conley’s domestic abuse arrest last week in Ruston.
Conley, 41, allegedly attacked his wife the night of April 20 (Tuesday) after she reportedly tried to calm him down in the midst of a PSTD nightmare. Conley reportedly grabbed her hair and forced her head toward his pelvic region after she touched his arm trying to settle him.
His wife also told officers that Conley had locked himself in the bedroom over the previous weekend, refusing to come out and spend time with family.
She reported that after dropping their children off at school, she locked herself in their bathroom and told him she was planning to leave their marriage. Conley allegedly then became angry and reportedly began yelling after she took off her wedding ring.
Conley’s arrest affidavit says that during the incident, Conley’s wife attempted to leave the residence but that he refused to let her do so.
She said she locked herself again in the bathroom and called authorities. She reported Conley then forced his way into the bathroom but quickly fled after realizing she was one the phone with police.
Conley is reported to later have checked himself into Northern Louisiana Medical Center and was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on the charge of domestic abuse battery (child endangerment), false imprisonment and attempted sexual battery.
He reportedly remained in the LPDC Wednesday night with no bond set.
Jones said the city of Grambling is continuing to review the situation.