A high-ranking Oregon State Police trooper was placed on administrative leave Wednesday, the same day his wife asked for a restraining order against him, saying she feared he would shoot her.

William A. Fugate, a Redmond resident, is a state police captain and a highly visible staff member who served as the agency’s chief spokesman.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday it had opened a criminal investigation into Fugate. The investigation was initiated after the office received an anonymous report on Tuesday. The sheriff’s office did not say what alleged crime or crimes it was investigating, nor did it release additional information.

On Wednesday, the day after the sheriff’s office received the tip, Fugate was placed on paid leave from his job, and his wife, Georgina Monrean-Fugate, filed a petition for a restraining order against him.

Monrean-Fugate, who lives in Bend, stated in her petition, filed in Deschutes County Circuit Court, that she felt her husband was a danger to himself and others.

“He has been violent with me and made threats against himself in the past,” according to the restraining order.

Monrean-Fugate said her husband came to their home late at night Nov. 9, took her phone and prevented her from leaving.

“He had a gun, and I feared that he would shoot me,” she said in the petition.

The petition says that Monrean-Fugate reported violence by Fugate on Nov. 9 and 10 to the sheriff’s office.

Judge Alta Brady granted the restraining order Wednesday.

Fugate and Monrean-Fugate were married in 1997. She works as a high school teacher. Fugate, 42, has been with Oregon State Police for about 11 years. The couple have two children.

Monrean-Fugate filed for divorce Jan 24.

Reached by phone Friday, Fugate and Monrean-Fugate declined to comment.

“I can’t comment on that as it’s an open investigation,” Fugate said.

— Reporter: 541-383-0325, gandrews@bendbulletin.com