McCLEARY, Wash. -- Bob Enriquez said he was an elected official and firefighter until one night changed his life.
"In a word everything, my career, my side business, my reputation in the community was lost," said Enriquez.
His troubles started in his home town of McCleary, Washington.
"I can't really speak about the incident of that night," said Enriquez.
Enriquez said he can't discuss it for legal reasons. Court papers filed by his attorney state that he asked a man to meet at city hall to talk about a disagreement. Instead the man reportedly tackled Enriquez. Enriquez pulled out his gun to make a citizen's arrest, according to the documents.
When police arrived, Enriquez was the one arrested by an officer he said he knows, Officer Randy Bunch.
Enriquez thought Officer Bunch might have some kind of relationship with his estranged wife. He took that hunch to high profile Seattle attorney, John Henry Browne. Browne said he did not have to look much further than the phone records.
"A minute after getting to the scene he calls her, and calls hers two or three times from the scene," said Browne, referring to the night of the arrest.
Browne said Officer Bunch made those calls and more to Enriquez's wife. At the time, Enriquez had been going through a heated divorce and custody battle with her.
In July, a McCleary Police Department report revealed that Officer Bunch admitted he had a brief, intimate relationship with Enriquez's wife.
"He never told his superior that there was a conflict of interest," said Emily Gause, Enriquez's attorney.
His attorneys said they are ready to sue the city, and Enriquez said he wants his old life again.
"I'm hoping I can get my career back and my kids back," said Enriquez.
Mayor Gary Dent told KING 5 that the city believes the arrest was legit, especially since the prosecutor made the decision to file the charges. However, the Mayor said he is concerned that the officer did not disclose his apparent relationship with Enriquez's wife sooner.
As a result the officer is under investigation, but he remains on the force and on the streets. The city is waiting for the internal investigation to be completed before making more comments.
Officer Bunch was contacted by phone Friday night, and he said he could not comment.
Enriquez was charged with second degree assault for the January incident. He is due back in court August 8th. His lawyer has filed a motion to dismiss the charge.
