Fire chief accused of slapping female volunteer on buttocks area, charged with simple battery

Eunice Fire Chief Mike Arnold is out of jail on bond after being arrested for allegedly slapping a female volunteer fire fighter on the buttocks area.
Arnold turned himself in late Thursday after learning an arrest warrant had been issued for him on a charge of simple battery.
According to records, Arnold and a group fire fighters were at Glendale Elementary for a fire prevention presentation to students on Oct. 9.
The 33-year-old complainant asserted that while waiting on a changeover between classes of students, Arnold, who also is former chief in Basile, slapped her on her buttocks area.
The investigating officer said the alleged victim said the slap “was unwanted and made her feel uncomfortable.”
Her claim of the slap was supported by statements from the the others present, the warrant affidavit states.
Arnold, appointed by the City Council to the Eunice post in November 2011, was not available for comment.
His hiring was recommended to Mayor Rusty Moody by a special committee. Moody accepted the recommendation and forwarded it to the council.
Moody had no comment Friday.