A police officer in Gainesville, Florida, has been arrested for allegedly strangling his ex-girlfriend after breaking into her apartment. Christopher Bivins has been charged with burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, domestic battery by strangulation, grand theft, and criminal mischief, according to an arrest affidavit from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred on Friday night after Bivins and the woman found themselves at the same nightclub. They had previously been in an intimate dating relationship and have a child together. Bivins paid for a section of the club for the woman and her friends and they had a pleasant evening. However, an argument broke out as they were leaving the club.
Later, when the woman arrived home, she noticed Bivins’ truck parked across the street. Upon entering her apartment, she discovered visible damage to her door frame and her front door open. She also found her apartment in disarray. When she confronted Bivins about his presence without permission, he allegedly assaulted her, strangling her until she nearly lost consciousness.
The woman managed to escape and seek refuge at her mother’s house in Gilchrist County. When she returned to her apartment, she discovered that several of her personal items had been thrown over the balcony, and electronic devices including an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods were missing.
Bivins was apprehended by deputies and admitted to meeting the woman at the club but claimed he was heavily intoxicated and did not remember entering her apartment. He has been booked into the Alachua County Jail, and his bond status is currently unknown.
In August, Bivins was recognized as “Officer of the Month” by the Gainesville Police Department for his outstanding work, dedication, and commitment. However, the department declined to comment on the incident, citing an ongoing criminal investigation.
