Broward Sheriff’s deputies arrested one of their own Tuesday on charges of aggravated battery and criminal mischief after he was accused of pushing a pregnant woman down a staircase.
Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call involving Deputy Randall Saintilus and a pregnant woman at 7 a.m. Nov. 4 in North Lauderdale, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
During an argument about infidelity, Saintilus allegedly caused the woman to fall down a staircase, the release said. The woman’s back was injured, the release said.
Saintilus faces one count of aggravated battery on a victim that the offender knew or should have known was pregnant and one count of criminal mischief.
Witnesses told investigators there have been previous domestic violence incidents involving the deputy and the woman, the release said.
“There is zero tolerance for domestic violence, and victims need to know that no one has the right to harm them,” Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said in a statement. “I want those suffering from domestic violence to know that help is available and victims do not have to suffer in silence. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 for help.”
Saintilus, who has worked at the Sheriff’s Office since July 2018, is now on administrative leave without pay. He was being held in the Broward Main Jail on Wednesday night.
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