Lompoc Police Officer Arrested Second Time
VIDEO: http://youtu.be/4x0ngA-ggZw
A Lompoc police officer arrested and charged with physically abusing his girlfriend in October spent a few hours in jail Saturday.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said they arrested Matthew Hill over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend for violating a no-contact court order.
Gloria Pierce, a 40-year Lompoc resident, was shocked by the news.
Pierce said she does not think Hill should be allowed to stay on paid administrative leave and added that “police officers, when this happens, kind of get a slap on the wrist.”
The Lompoc Police Department said they issued an arrest warrant for Hill after a family member of the victim called and informed them that Hill had reached out to his ex-girlfriend.
Police said the violation happened on the 200 block of North F Street.
Hill has worked for the police department for about five years. He posted $5,000 bail.
Pat Walsh, Lompoc police chief said ” police officers are part of a union and have bill of rights.”
Walsh said that until the investigation for the initial and recent arrests are complete, Hill will remain on administrative leave.