Officer faces inquiry in battery case

HOLLYWOOD — A veteran Hollywood police lieutenant spent a night in jail after he was arrested on a domestic battery charge when his wife accused him of hitting and kicking her, the agency announced Thursday.

Lt. Michael McKinney, 49, had scratches and a cut on his upper lip when police came to his Hollywood home at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to a police report.

McKinney’s wife of a year told officers the couple’s argument turned physical when her husband hit her twice in the head and kicked her in the ribs. She had a swollen forehead, redness and swelling near her ribs and a bruise on her arm, the report said. The Sun Sentinel does not name victims of domestic violence.

“Lt. McKinney faces one charge of misdemeanor do-

mestic violence related battery,” said Miranda Grossman, a spokesman for the police department. “He has been relieved of duties pending an ongoing internal investigation.”

The first-degree misdemeanor charge carries a maximum punishment of up to a year in county jail.

McKinney spent a night in the Broward Main Jail before facing a judge Wednesday. He was released on his own recognizance, meaning he did not have to post bond. McKinney also was ordered not to consume alcohol or illegal drugs and to stay away from his wife. Broward County Court Judge Michael Davis also restricted McKinney from possessing weapons or ammunition.

As of late Thursday afternoon McKinney had not yet hired a lawyer, said Jeff Marano, vice president of the Police Benevolent Association.

“A couple had a dispute and it got physical; and it’s no more or no less than that,” Marano said. “He’s a 23-year veteran with an unblemished record.”

McKinney