A Monroe County corrections officer found himself on the other side of the bars and suspended from his job Wednesday night amid allegations he struck his wife and 10-year-old daughter during an argument in their home.

Gregory Neal Johnson, 43, of 1906 Dewey Road in Sigsbee Park, was released from the Stock Island jail Thursday after being charged with domestic battery and child abuse.

Kimberly Johnson called 911 about 10:15 p.m. Wednesday to say her husband had punched her in the stomach, put her in a bear hug to keep her from calling the police, and punched their daughter in the head twice when she came to her mother's aid, according to Key West Police Department reports.

Conversely, Johnson claims his wife hit him during the argument, reports say.

Police say the altercation apparently began when Johnson was preparing to pack a suitcase and his wife grabbed his arm to calm him down, reports say.

Johnson did not return The Citizen's calls seeking comment.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office suspended Johnson with pay pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs investigation, spokeswoman Becky Herrin said.

"Anytime one of our own is arrested it's tragic," Sheriff Bob Peryam said. "But that said, we cannot tolerate anyone that breaks the law, and when one tarnishes the badge, it tarnishes the badge of all of us."

Johnson was hired in January and has no disciplinary history with the agency.

He was released from jail on pretrial services, meaning without having to post bond pending his appearance in court. If he does not appear, a judge could issue a warrant for his arrest and impose a bond on any future release from jail.

alinhardt@keysnews.com