A Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) deputy found himself behind bars on Thursday in Pompano Beach, Broward, following charges of a violent domestic incident involving his fiancée. Authorities reported that surveillance footage played a crucial role in his apprehension.
Terrance Dion Chester, aged 28, is facing serious accusations of kidnapping with the intent to cause harm or terrorize, domestic assault, and improper use of a firearm, as recorded in jail documents. He was held without bail at the main detention center in Broward County as of Thursday afternoon, with a court appearance set for this Friday.
According to an arrest report obtained by Local 10, Chester and his fiancée have been engaged for five years and share a two-year-old child. The altercation reportedly ignited over financial disagreements, with Chester demanding reimbursement for bills he had previously covered, triggering the confrontation.
The situation escalated quickly. After the woman left her apartment, Chester followed her to the parking lot, where he allegedly struck her on the head, grabbed her by the hair, and forcibly dragged her back into the residence against her will. Surveillance video vividly captured the violent sequence: Chester hitting the victim, seizing her by the head, and assaulting her again.
At one point, Chester drew his firearm from his belt, holding it by his side and aiming it at the ground. Though he did not discharge the weapon, the mere presence and handling of the gun during the altercation intensified the charge of improper firearm use.
When officers arrived, they encountered Chester in full MDSO highway patrol uniform, with a black Glock holstered at his waist. As they attempted verbal commands, Chester reportedly reached for his weapon but was swiftly restrained by the officers. The firearm was loaded with a magazine containing 15 high-lethality hollow point federal bullets.
Despite the woman showing no visible injuries, officers observed signs consistent with an assault: her hair was disheveled, and grass was stuck to her clothing. She had managed to exit the residence with their child and awaited police outside.
Chester declined to provide statements to investigators after being advised of his rights.
The institutional response was swift. Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz issued a strong statement expressing her outrage: "I am deeply concerned and outraged by the arrest of one of my deputies on serious charges related to domestic violence. This behavior is utterly unacceptable and directly contradicts our values and the law. [...] Let me be perfectly clear: no one is above the law," she declared.
The officer was immediately relieved of his duties.
This case highlights the urgent need for more effective mechanisms to prevent and penalize gender-based violence, particularly when the perpetrators are those sworn to protect. Chester's alleged actions not only endanger an innocent victim but also undermine public trust in law enforcement.
Key Questions About the Miami-Dade Officer's Arrest
What charges is the Miami-Dade officer facing?
Terrance Dion Chester faces charges of kidnapping with intent to harm or terrorize, domestic assault, and improper use of a firearm.
How did authorities apprehend the officer?
Authorities used surveillance footage that captured the violent incident to arrest Chester.
What was the response from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office?
Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz expressed deep concern and outrage, emphasizing that no one is above the law, and Chester was relieved of his duties.