Walhalla policeman arrested

The state police have arrested a Walhalla policeman.  An announcement from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division states that Zachary Lance Covington was arrested yesterday and charged with assault and battery third degree.  It’s a misdemeanor crime that carries a penalty of 30 days in prison or a fine of up to $500 dollars, or both.  An arrest warrant, issued by Magistrate Will Derrick, includes an affidavit that alleges the 25-year old Covington on October 18 struck a man on the head three times during an incident at the Walhalla Gardens Apartments.  A statement released by Nancy Goehle, city administrator, states that, “An internal complaint was made to the police chief.  After the chief consulted with the solicitor, the matter was referred to SLED.”