A veteran campus police lieutenant with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is on administrative leave after being charged with domestic battery and marijuana possession.

A spokesman for SIUE, Doug McIlhagga, said SIUE administrators were aware that campus police Lt. Charles "Chuck" Thompson, 48, had been arrested Thursday at his home near Highland and charged. McIlhagga said SIUE placed Thompson on administrative leave the same day. He has been with the department 23 years.

Madison County Sheriff's Department Capt. Mike Dixon said Thompson at 5:56 p.m. Thursday called police to his home because he was concerned that his wife was unresponsive. Highland Police were initially called and turned the case over to the deputies.

Investigators determined that Thompson and his wife had gotten into an argument and he pushed her while she was sitting on the bed, Dixon said.

"He was arrested for pushing his wife. He requested that the detective get his jacket, which he did. Inside of the jacket police found less than 2.5 grams of marijuana and a pipe," Dixon said.

Thomas was then charged with possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. He was released after posting bond, Dixon said.

McIlhagga said SIUE's human resources department was dealing with the situation and that Thompson will remain on leave until the matter is resolved. McIlhagga declined further comment. Thompson could not be reached.