ELLIJAY, Ga. – After this week’s arrest of Michael Paul Chester, FYN has reached out to local authorities for comments on the incident. Gilmer County Public Safety Department has made the following press release on the situation:

A male employee of Gilmer County Fire & Rescue was taken into custody by Ellijay Police yesterday for an incident that occurred off duty and away from fire station property. The incident involves the male employee and a female employee of Gilmer County Fire & Rescue. We have and continue to cooperate with law enforcement officials investigating this matter. We reiterate that the incident being investigated did not take place on or near Gilmer County property, nor did it take place while either employee was actively working in the capacity of a Gilmer County Firefighter. Gilmer County is working with the female employee involved to ensure her needs are met as necessary. The male employee is currently suspended without pay while an internal investigation is started.