GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — A Clay County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy was arrested Friday on domestic battery, as they’re accused of becoming physical with their wife during an argument, the sheriff’s office announced Saturday on Facebook.

On Friday, CCSO said deputies responded to a “domestic disturbance” at the deputy’s home in Green Cove Springs. When they arrived, CCSO said deputies spoke with the deputy’s wife, who stated a verbal argument between herself and her husband “became physical.”

CCSO has identified the deputy as Deputy Lionel Stewart.

According to CCSO, as Stewart’s wife was packing up belongings, she picked up a toolbox when Stewart allegedly “forcefully ripped it from her hand.”

“During this encounter, the victim received two cuts on her hand that were actively bleeding at the time law enforcement arrived,” CCSO said on Facebook.

Because a child inside the home witnessed the incident, according to CCSO, the Department of Children and Families was contacted.

Stewart was arrested by deputies without incident and taken to the Clay County Jail, CCSO said. The sheriff’s office said he has been with them since January 2025, and has been put on administrative leave “pending termination.”

“Acts of domestic violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated – especially when committed by individuals entrusted with positions of trust and leadership,” CCSO said on Facebook. “We strongly encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help and support by contacting the Clay County Sheriff’s Office using 9-1-1 or our non-emergency line at (904)264-6512, or you can submit a tip for our deputies to follow up using our SaferWatch app. You can also call Quigley House at (904) 284-0061.”