Habersham fire lieutenant arrested in Florida and charged with assault

A Habersham County firefighter has been placed on paid administrative leave following his arrest last week in Florida. Police charged Christopher McKinley Palmer with first-degree assault after he and his girlfriend allegedly got into an argument that turned violent.

According to the Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety Department incident report, Palmer, known as “Mack,” was arrested on Tuesday evening, June 11. He was vacationing in Florida with his family when the alleged incident occurred.

Palmer, 34, is a lieutenant in the Habersham County Emergency Services and the son of County Commissioner Bruce Palmer.

The report states that Lt. Palmer and his girlfriend got into an argument and he allegedly punched her in the nose. Palmer’s brother James then intervened and tried to break up the argument. Both allegedly told police that Mack Palmer was drunk at the time.

According to police, Palmer admitted to hitting his girlfriend and arguing with his brother. They arrested him and charged him with first-degree assault.

“This is a personnel matter that is currently under investigation,” said Rob Moore, spokesman for Habersham County. “The employee is on paid administrative leave pending the results.”

Now Habersham has contacted Lt. Palmer by phone. He said he does not have an attorney and declined to comment.