CHARLESTON, SC — A Charleston County deputy has been arrested on a misdemeanor assault charge after authorities say he punched a teen during a November traffic stop.

State Law Enforcement Division agents took 27-year-old Christopher Davis into custody Friday.

Investigators say Davis pulled over 19-year-old Devante Pittman on Nov. 11 for not signaling a turn.

Authorities say Davis punched Pittman several times in the mouth during the stop before arresting him and putting him in handcuffs.

Davis told investigators he hit the driver only after the teen grabbed him. Pittman also is charged with a misdemeanor count of assault.

Davis has been a deputy since April 2011.

Pittman has sued the sheriff's office and the deputies involved in the traffic stop.