BELLINGHAM (AP) — A Bellingham police officer recently terminated for misconduct faces charges of domestic violence and assault for an alleged attack on his ex-wife.

The Bellingham Herald report that 34-year-old Jacob Esparza, of Lynden, was fired Friday after an investigation found he violated police department policies regarding employee conduct. He was charged that same day with domestic violence harassment and assault stemming from the Nov. 5 incident.

Esparza had been on paid administrative leave pending the misconduct investigation when he allegedly got into a fight with his ex-wife.

Court documents say the woman kneed Esparza in the groin after he threatened her. She says he then put his hands around her throat and pinned her against a vehicle.

Lynden police Chief Jack Foster says officers arrested Esparza after the ex-wife reported the incident two weeks later.

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