Bushnell officer charged in scuffle at restaurant

INVERNESS -- A Bushnell police sergeant faces charges of battery and disorderly intoxication in connection with a fight at TJ Michaels Restaurant and Lounge last month.

Michael K. Auchtung, 37, of Bushnell turned himself in Friday at the Citrus County jail. He was released after posting $650 bail.

The Citrus County Sheriff's Office has alleged that the fight started inside the business -- which is on U.S. 41 south of Inverness -- when Auchtung, who was off duty, pushed the manager.

After Auchtung was escorted outside, the fight continued between restaurant patrons and Auchtung and another off-duty officer, George Cooper, officials said.

Witnesses told authorities that Cooper, 35, pulled out a handgun and his badge.

Assistant State Attorney Bill Catto said Friday that he did not expect any charges to be filed against Cooper.

"This other fellow was trying to bail out his friend," he said. "... There was no indication of any intent to assault anybody."

The State Attorney's Office charged Auchtung based on an "exhaustive, very outstanding" Sheriff's Office investigation, which included extensive interviews, Catto said.

Auchtung continues to be suspended without pay from the Bushnell Police Department while an internal investigation takes place, according to Bushnell police Chief Joyce Wells.

Auchtung and Cooper were suspended Feb. 13 after the fight. The chief said Cooper returned to work Wednesday but was still under internal investigation.

Further disciplinary action is pending the completion of the investigation, Wells said.

The chief said Auchtung, who started at the department in August 2000 as a patrolman, had not been reprimanded for anything before.

-- Suzannah Gonzales can be reached at 860-7312 or sgonzales@sptimes.com.

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