Pope is a 29-year law enforcement veteran who planned to retire in February. Killen says Pope has enough vacation and sick time to receive full retirement benefits.
The 49-year-old Pope and his 38-year-old estranged wife, Kimberly Pope, were charged with assaulting each other early Monday.
Wake County deputies say he is charged with assault on a female. She is charged with simple assault. They were released Monday afternoon on bond of $1,000 each.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reported they are in the midst of a divorce.
