Police Officer Put On Leave Due To Investigation In Burlington

BURLINGTON — A Burlington police officer has put on leave and will face charges.

Police Chief Thomas P. Browne said in a statement that Lieut. Peter Abaskharoun was put on paid administrative leave Monday. He was charged with assault and battery on a family/household member and witness intimidation.

He was "placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with departmental policies and procedures and collective bargaining agreements, pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal affairs investigation," Browne said in a statement.

Abaskharoun in Woburn District Court on Monday.

“This matter is being taken extremely seriously, and appropriate administrative action will be determined based on the findings of the investigation," Browne's statement reads. "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."

Police did not provide any further information.