A Slog tipper this morning told us that Anthony Stewart, a sergeant with the University of Washington Police Department (UWPD), was sent home yesterday allegedly injuring a female UWPD officer.
I spoke to UWPD Commander Steve Rittereiser, who wouldn’t confirm or deny the tip (or that the officer involved is Sgt. Stewart), but he said the UWPD will be issuing a press release on this matter shortly. (I’ll update this post when that happens.)
The tipper said that Sgt. Stewart is a supervisor with the UWPD Office of Professional Standards and Internal Investigations—a position that Commander Rittereiser confirmed. He also added that UWPD has “very strict policies” against members of that organization investigating cases in which they are involved.
UPDATE: Commander Rittereiser just sent out the press release:
The University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) Office of Professional Standards initiated an internal investigation regarding a dispute between two police department employees that occurred in the office setting. During an administrative interview a criminal act was alleged by one of the parties. As a result of the allegation, and in accordance with departmental policy, effective July 26, 2012, UWPD has placed a 6 year employee on paid administrative leave. The UWPD Office of Professional Standards has requested the Seattle Police Department to assist by conducting an investigation into the alleged incident. The UWPD appreciates the Seattle Police Department’s willingness to assist.
Since this is a personnel matter, UWPD will not be releasing further information at this time.