COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A former bodyguard for Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther is facing assault charges.

Columbus police officer Brian Beavers is facing assault and disorderly conduct charges from an alleged fight in February. Beavers served as a bodyguard for Ginther, but the city says he has now been reassigned.

A court affidavit alleges that on Feb. 3, 2023, Beavers punched two men in the face at the Galloway Tavern on Galloway Road in Prairie Township. The incident reportedly caused one man to fall down and the other’s nose to bleed. 

Both victims signed probable cause affidavit statements on July 14 and authorities viewed video surveillance to support the claims and verified the events with witness statements. On Aug. 15, Beavers’ lawyers entered a not-guilty plea.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Ginther said: “We are aware of the allegations, and, as you know, officer Beavers has been reassigned pending the outcome of the investigation. We take the situation very seriously and will not comment further until the matter has been resolved.”

Columbus police also sent a statement that said, “Brian Beavers has been relieved of duty and reassigned.” Beavers’ personnel file obtained by NBC4 stated that he was relieved of his assignment on July 28 due to an ongoing criminal investigation. The department had no further comment.

Beavers’ attorney Mark Collins said his client acted in self-defense and is confident Beavers will be exonerated. Online court records show Beavers’ case is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on Aug. 28.