Ellis County Sheriff issues statement about altercation on New Years Day

Photo by Dave A. Vance.

Johnny Brown

ELLIS COUNTY — Ahead of an anticipated story by FOX 4 News in Dallas, the law firm representing Ellis County Sheriff Johnny Brown issued a statement.

A statement by the Law Offices of Morgan Taylor, PLLC states:

"On January 1, 2017, Sheriff (Johnny) Brown walked into Whataburger in Midlothian where a fight was already in progress. His initial observation was a large white male assaulting Sheriff Brown's 59 year old brother and knocking him to the floor. As a sworn law enforcement officer he is obligated to preserve the peace. He used the force and language necessary to end the violence, prevent further assaults, and protect others from being harmed. Sheriff Brown instructed a Whataburger employee to call the Midlothian Police Department. Multiple people were involved in the altercation. Midlothian Police responded, assessed the situation, and no arrests were made.

Sheriff Brown is aware that an investigation is being conducted by the Midlothian Police Department. Sheriff Brown is cooperating with Midlothian detectives and welcomes their investigation into this matter.

At this time, Sheriff Brown and his legal counsel, Morgan Taylor, will not provide any further statements until the conclusion of the investigation."

This is a developing story and more information will follow.