CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Mason County sheriff's deputy has been suspended without pay after he was arrested last week for allegedly pulling two handguns on his girlfriend.

Matthew Brandon Terry, 29, was charged Wednesday with brandishing a deadly weapon and domestic assault, according to a criminal complaint filed in Cabell County Magistrate Court.

Jamie Yates, Terry's live-in girlfriend, called police to their home along Lower Creek Road, in Milton, because she feared for her life, according to the complaint.

Yates told police they had been arguing when Terry pulled out a handgun and she grabbed it from him. Terry allegedly retrieved another handgun a few minutes later.

Yates then fled and hid underneath the home, according to the complaint, where she called police and waited until they arrived.

Terry was arrested and arraigned before Cabell County Magistrate Betty Wolford. He was taken to Western Regional Jail and later released after posting a $10,000 bond. Wolford set an Oct. 30 preliminary hearing on the charges.

Mason Sheriff Michael Roach did not return phone calls Monday. Mason Commission President Rick Handley said County Administrator John Gerlach notified him of Terry's arrest on Thursday. Gerlach said Terry was suspended for 30 days without pay pending an investigation into the incident.

In March, former Mason County Sheriff David Anthony pleaded guilty in circuit court to misdemeanor charges of brandishing and firing a weapon near a dwelling. He also pleaded no contest to fraudulent schemes and embezzlement.

As part of the plea, Anthony resigned as sheriff and surrendered his law enforcement certification.

Reach Travis Crum at travis.c...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5163.