Burlington police officer placed on leave following arrest for domestic violence

A Burlington police officer is off the job after being arrested on domestic violence charges.

On Monday, Burlington police said Lt. Peter Abaskharoun was put on paid administrative leave following his arrest on charges of assault and battery on a family or household member and witness intimidation.

“The Burlington Police Department holds its officers to the highest standards of conduct, and the allegations in this case do not reflect the mission or values of our department. We are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial review,” Burlington police said in a statement.

The Massachusetts POST Commission says Abaskharoun is still certified as a police officer at this time.

Abaskharoun was arraigned in Woburn District Court this morning.

Boston 25 News reporter Daniel Coates went to Abaskharoun’s Burlington home Monday but no one answered the door.

Wendy Murphy, former prosecutor and New England Law professor of violence against women said domestic abuse issues are getting worse statewide.

“It is the most prolific crime in every city and town in Massachusetts,” she said. “Women are abused at such high rates in Massachusetts that all men from all walks of life have gotten the message for a long time in this state... Violence against women isn’t that big a deal.”

Security expert and former state trooper Todd McGhee said Abaskharoun won’t be let off easy because he’s an officer.

“These charges are serious and it could lead to some type of termination,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re two years or twenty years on the job. Police department administrators take these types of things extremely, extremely serious.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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