Florida police officer allegedly held ex-girlfriend hostage for days, beat and threatened to kill her

CLEARWATER, Fla. (TCD) -- A 42-year-old off-duty Clearwater Police officer allegedly beat and threatened his ex-girlfriend and held her captive for days.

According to a press release from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a residence in Dunedin on Jan. 27 at approximately 2 a.m. for a report of domestic abuse. Upon their arrival, deputies reportedly found Jason Lambe outside the home, and he was taken into custody after refusing to follow deputies’ orders.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Lambe’s ex-girlfriend, 43-year-old Bronwen Justice, told authorities that he arrived at her home uninvited on Jan. 23. He allegedly took her cellphone and wouldn’t let her leave. Lambe reportedly battered her and threatened to kill her and himself. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Justice suffered minor injuries but did not need medical treatment.

Lambe was arrested and charged with domestic battery, false imprisonment, resisting an officer without violence, and assault on a law enforcement officer. Lambe was booked into the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

According to WTSP-TV, Lambe was placed on administrative leave from the Clearwater Police Department.

Clearwater Police Chief Daniel Slaughter told WTSP, "Upon learning of the arrest, the department immediately initiated the process required to separate employment. The employee will be placed on administrative leave without pay while the process to separate is underway. We are deeply troubled to learn what the victim and her family experienced. There is nothing that excuses that kind of behavior. We hope Mr. Lambe gets the help that so many people have encouraged him to receive."

Lambe had reportedly been working with the Clearwater Police Department since 2006.

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