New Smyrna Beach, FL - A Volusia County deputy is in jail with no bond after a domestic violence incident involving his girlfriend—another deputy—left him facing multiple charges.
24-year-old Deputy Austin Rosa—whose booking photo and information is not available—is now charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, and battery following the incident, which began early morning Friday (September 3) off State Road 44 in the New Smyrna Beach area.
According to the victim, Rosa was driving them home to their shared apartment after consuming a large amount of alcohol when he sped up and ran a red light at a high speed. The victim then demanded Rosa let her out of the vehicle, which he did.
Afterwards, the victim began to walk down the roadway to get away from Rosa, but he followed. Rosa then grabbed her, yelled at her, and violently pulled her back towards the vehicle. The incident escalated after Rosa pushed the victim down and threatened to kill her. The victim told investigators that Rosa additionally threatened to shoot and kill any law enforcement officers that showed up if she called for help.
The victim was eventually able to de-escalate the situation and rode home with Rosa. When the victim returned to work she reported the incident to her supervisor, which led the Volusia Sheriff's Office (VSO) to launch an investigation.
Rosa was later located at a friend's apartment early Saturday morning (September 4) and was placed under arrest. Sheriff Mike Chitwood commented on the incident and commended the victim for stepping forward, adding that Rosa's violent behavior would not be tolerated.
"No one should have to endure that kind of abuse, especially at the hands of someone who’s sworn to protect others," said Sheriff Chitwood. "It’s a black mark for all of us who wear the same badge, but I’m proud of the quick work our deputies did to put this deputy behind bars just like anyone else."
Per a release from the sheriff's office, Rosa's firearm, along with an additional firearm seized from his apartment, was taken as evidence and a risk protection order was completed. He was taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail where he remains on no bond. Rosa was temporarily placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation.
The VSO stated that Rosa was hired by the agency in July 2020.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, know that help is available. You can call the Florida Department of Children & Families Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119 for help.
