A San Diego police officer has been arrested for accused sexual battery, false imprisonment and assault under the color of authority for an alleged incident stemming from a Tuesday traffic stop.
Officer Anthony Arevalos, 40, an 18-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department, pulled over a 32-year-old female as she was leaving a downtown Mardi Gras celebration, police said in a Friday evening release.
Assistant Police Chief Cesar Solis said the department released Arevalos' photograph because he may be linked to a similiar incident that was investigated about a year ago. Solis said he could not disclose further details.
Tuesday's alleged victim was suspected of driving under the influence of an alcohol beverage, and Arevalos allegedly sexually battered the woman during their course of contact.
His peace officer powers have been revoked, police said, and he has been suspended from duty without pay.
The officer, assigned to the Traffic Division at the time of the incident, was detained by the department’s Sex Crimes Unit and was booked into County jail.
