The City of Elkins has officially terminated police officer Christian Michael Mayle, 25, after his arrest for domestic battery on March 30 in Barbour County, West Virginia. The city announced the decision in a public statement Thursday, emphasizing their commitment to community standards and legal due process.
Mayle, who was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery, was being held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail on an $8,000 bond, which has since been posted.
City Responds with Swift Action
According to a statement released by the City of Elkins, Mayle’s employment was terminated for violating the Elkins Police Department’s Standards of Conduct policy. Under West Virginia law, termination for cause means Mayle automatically loses the state certification required to serve as a police officer.
“This situation comes with complex legal protections for officers under state law,” said Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco. “We acted decisively, but also carefully, to ensure our process was legally sound and protected the city from possible legal action.”
Mayle was hired in late 2024 and had not previously been fired or disciplined by another department, according to Elkins Police Chief Travis Bennett. “At the time of his hiring, there were no red flags or prior investigations,” Bennett said. “We followed state guidelines in good faith.”
Incident Details
The arrest came after Belington Police responded to a domestic violence call around 2 a.m. on March 30. According to a criminal complaint filed by Patrolman T.L. Cooper, a woman at the scene alleged that Mayle drove recklessly, threatened to kill her, and physically assaulted her.
She reported that Mayle grabbed her by the throat and slammed her against a door. He also allegedly threw her phone at the windshield, cracking it. Officers found multiple injuries on the woman and gathered physical evidence from the home and Mayle’s vehicle.
Mayle reportedly fled the scene but was later found a mile away with two loaded handguns in his vehicle. He was arrested and charged on the spot.
Emphasis on Accountability
Following his arrest, Mayle was placed on administrative leave. His badge, service weapon, and department-issued gear were confiscated as the city prepared for his dismissal.
Chrishaunda Marshall, Elkins’ Human Resources Director, stressed the importance of maintaining a culture of integrity and accountability within the department. “We take the public’s trust very seriously,” she said. “Our actions reflect a commitment to community safety and responsible law enforcement.”
The City also highlighted the complex legal process required to terminate a civil service police officer in West Virginia. Unlike standard at-will employment, termination must involve formal charges and allows for potential appeals through review boards or commissions.
Despite the legal hurdles, city officials say they are confident that all steps were taken properly and with the community’s best interests in mind.
This incident has sparked public discussion and raised important questions about accountability in law enforcement. While the process may be complex, the City of Elkins’ swift and careful action reflects a broader commitment to upholding the values of justice and public safety.
