Timothy Wright

LEON, NY – Embattled Town of Carroll Police Chief Tim Wright has pleaded not guilty to a third-degree assault charge.

Wright – who is currently on administrative leave from his position – made his plea Monday in town of Leon Town Court. He was charged earlier this month with 3rd degree assault following a State Police investigation into an alleged domestic incident with his wife that occurred on April 5.

The case is being handled in Leon, a township in Cattaraugus County, because that is where the alleged incident took place as the couple drove through the area. Wright, a former Jamestown Police Department officer and detective, is on a paid two-month leave of absence while he answers to the charges.

Meanwhile, the Post-Journal is reporting that town justice Ashley Milliman has delivered complete “stay away” order of protection against Wright, meaning he cannot go near his wife nor have any contact with her.

Wright will appear in Leon Town Court with his attorney and the assistant district attorney on Aug. 13 at 5:30 p.m.

Long-time Ellicott police officer and Carroll detective James Curtis was named interim-police chief.