Collinsville police chief Stephen Malone resigns following aggravated assault arrest

COLLINSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – Collinsville Police Chief Stephen Malone has resigned following his arrest in Nashville over the weekend, News 19 has learned.

Malone, who was named chief in 2025, was charged with aggravated assault-strangulation, according to authorities in Tennessee.

Jeremy Pinegar has been named the interim police chief in Collinsville, News 19 learned.

Police records obtained by News 19 indicate Malone was visiting the victim at a home on 12th Avenue S. around 3 a.m. on Sunday. Investigators said Malone and the victim are dating.

According to an arrest affidavit, the incident began as a verbal argument over alleged cheating. “At some point during the argument, the suspect began to hammer strike the victim in the face with his closed fist,” police wrote in the affidavit. “He also grabbed her by the throat with his hand and slammed her down multiple times.”

Investigators reported seeing what appeared to be scratches on the victim’s neck, bruising to her knees, and bruising to her cheek.

Police also noted a small scratch on Malone’s nose. Police said the victim told them she scratched Malone in the face in self-defense while attempting to get away.

According to the affidavit, Malone told officers the victim was intoxicated, needed help, and that he did not want to get her in trouble.After being informed of the victim’s injuries, police said Malone claimed the victim attacked him and broke his necklace. Investigators said Malone told them that he was angry when that happened, but did not explain how the victim suffered her injuries.Police said they determined that Malone was the primary aggressor due to “the victim’s statements aligning with injuries and observations.”

Malone was booked into jail shortly after 8 a.m. on Sunday and released on bond just after 7:30 p.m. on Monday.

Malone took over as police chief in Collinsville following the resignation of Andy Brown. Prior to his stint as police chief in Collinsville, Malone held the same role in Ider and Powell.