PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia police officer is in a jail cell in New York after being arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend's brother as he tried to steal a dog.
The district attorney in Brooklyn, New York says Angel Lopez drove up to the home of his girlfriend's brother dressed in his Philadelphia police uniform with cuffs and a department shield. He stole a Maltese dog after punching, choking and threatening the victim.
"It seems better judgment could have been used, when you take into account the type of job you have and the responsibilities you have," said Philadelphia police Commissioner Richard Ross.
Lopez is charged with nearly a dozen counts including robbery, assault, larceny and theft.
"Young guy, I mean you take your career and you throw it away," Ross added.
The 30-year-old police officer in the 18th District is essentially fired, says Ross.
"He is actually suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss," Ross explained.
Lopez is next set to appear in a New York courtroom in June.
His attorney has not returned a request for comment.
