Former Riviera Beach police sergeant arrested

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. – A former Riviera Beach police sergeant was arrested after striking a man in the head with a pistol during an altercation last year.

The Palm Beach County District Attorney’s Office has charged former Riviera Beach Police Sergeant Russell Byrd with aggravated assault with a weapon.

Byrd was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail.

WPTV reported in March that Byrd was temporarily removed from patrol duty while the department conducted an internal investigation.

Riviera Beach police said in a statement that Byrd had resigned from the department.

“We want to assure the community that we are committed to holding our officers and staff accountable for their actions. This incident does not reflect the values ​​and standards of the Riviera Beach Police Department. We are committed to building and maintaining trust in the community we serve,” Police Chief Michael Coleman said in a statement Friday.