EPHRATA, Wash. (AP) - It was no ordinary spat between a boss and his employee.

Grant County Coroner Jerry D. Jasman is accused of keeping Chief Deputy Coroner Lynette Henson trapped in a pickup truck during an argument Sunday, the Columbia Basin Herald reported Thursday.

Jasman was driving the county coroner pickup truck with Henson as a passenger when she said she didn't want another week of turmoil between them, sparking an argument.

Jasman became enraged and yelled insults at her, refusing to take her home several times or allow her to exit the vehicle, while driving at speeds reaching 80 mph, the report said. Jasman drove to his home and exited the vehicle, then Henson drove herself home, according to the report.

The Grant County sheriff's office said a detective recommended charging Jasman with a felony count of unlawful imprisonment after hearing a recording of the incident by Henson on her cell phone. The case has been referred to the Washington state Attorney General's Office to avoid any conflict of interest.

Grant County Sheriff Frank DeTrolio also asked detectives from neighboring Chelan County to review the investigation and assist in any follow up work required by the state prosecutor.

Jasman declined comment when contacted by phone at his office Thursday.

Undersheriff John Turley said Thursday that Jasman spent a night in jail, then posted bond after a court appearance. Jasman complied with a court order to surrender his firearms.

"He is a great coroner," Turley said. "But this is an incident of workplace violence and we have to protect the employees."

Turley said Henson is on paid leave for her protection and reportedly left the county. Jasman, as an elected official, still has his job.