Austin’s police chief has fired an officer. KVUE News learned Thursday afternoon of the indefinite suspension of Austin Police Officer Gregory Thornton.

An Austin police memo says the firing is based on a family disturbance issue involving Officer Thornton and his girlfriend.

His girlfriend "called 911 for police assistance" in July 2007. Thornton was reportedly "jealous" and had been "following her" and threatening her -- even yelling at her to the point where he was "spitting in her face."

Police officials say Thornton "lied to his supervisor" about the incident and about knowing 911 had been called. He "lied to internal affairs and at his disciplinary review board." He "failed to notify his supervisor" despite knowing that he was involved in a disturbance that resulted in a call to 911 and police response.

Chief Art Acevedo also considered Thornton's significant disciplinary history when deciding to fire him.

Thornton had been suspended three times before this incident.

All of the suspensions were related to incidents which involved women he knew.