Police Officer Arraigned on Charges of Choking Woman
An El Monte police officer was arraigned Friday on misdemeanor charges of battery and making terrorist threats for allegedly choking a 24-year-old woman during an argument at her home while he was off duty.
Richard Lyons, 35, who was jailed overnight and released on his own recognizance, delayed entering a plea, a Rio Hondo Municipal Court clerk said.
Lyons, a patrol officer with the department for four years, was arrested early Thursday in Orange County by his colleagues after the unidentified woman made the allegations and investigating officers saw red marks on her neck, said Lt. John Burkhart.
According to El Monte police, the woman said the incident took place at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at her El Monte home.
Lyons has been placed on administrative leave while an internal investigation is conducted. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday.
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