The Seattle Times reports that a sergeant who had been working in the Domestic Violence Unit of the Seattle Police Department was recently arrested and charged with domestic violence.

The officer, who has been a member of the Seattle police force for 28 years, was reportedly arrested at an Oktoberfest in Chelan County and charged with fourth-degree domestic violence after Chelan County officers saw him mistreating his girlfriend.

The 55-year-old and his 44-year-old had apparently been arguing over beer tickets before the argument became physical. The man's girlfriend apparently accused him of giving away $20 worth of beer tickets, and was angry with him. Officers found him dragging her by her hair and jacket through a gravel parking lot. She was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the arrest, though it wasn't clear whether he was. The officer's report noted that the woman was hysterical as a result of the assault.

The Seattle officer was booked for gross misdemeanor domestic violence charges, placed in the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, and later bailed out. The Seattle Police Department found out about the incident early on Sunday, and transferred him out of the Domestic Violence Unit while a criminal investigation takes place. He has been ordered not to have any contact with the victim.

In addition, there has also been a complaint initiated against the officer with the Office of Professional Accountability, which will begin a separate investigation after the criminal one is complete.

Source: Seattle Times, "Domestic Violence Unit cop is arrested himself," Christine Clarridge, Oct 18, 2011.