Johnston Police Officer Accused Of Domestic Assault

JOHNSTON, RI — A Johnston police officer is facing charges in connection with a domestic violence incident on Sunny Drive in Westerly Saturday, reported NBC 10 News.

Police say Detective Steven Lopez, 57, was arrested around 3 a.m. for allegedly assaulting his wife during an argument. The disturbance was first reported at approximately 11 p.m. and police made contact with Lopez's wife, who told them about the assault and said Lopez had gone inside and shut off all the lights.

Police say they tried to contact Lopez, but received no response and a SWAT team was assembled because there were likely guns in the house. Around 2:45 p.m., officers entered through the garage and took Lopez into custody.

Lopez is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Fourth Division District Court on one count each of simple assault and disorderly conduct. He has been placed on administrative leave by Johnston Police Chief Joseph Razza.