The police chief in Lincoln, Massachusetts, has been placed on administrative leave after being arrested in another town on Saturday while off duty, the town administrator said.
Chief Sean Kennedy of the Lincoln Police Department was arrested after an incident at his Westwood home, where he allegedly threw a woman against a wall, according to court documents. He is charged with assault and battery on a household or family member and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
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WATCH HERECourt records indicate the woman "was visibly upset and at times reluctant to describe the events leading up to the assault." She said Kennedy "threw her into a wall in the kitchen following an argument," the documents show.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.
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SIGN UP The woman says she fell to the floor and Kennedy took off from the home and did not bother to check on her.
"The Town takes any such allegations very seriously and, consistent with Town Policy, has placed the Chief on administrative leave. As with any person under arrest, the Chief is presumed innocent pending the results of the legal process," Lincoln Town Administrator Timothy Higgins said in a statement, adding that an internal review is underway.
According to court documents, the woman told Westwood police it was "not the first time" Kennedy had been physical with her, but that the injuries she suffered were "worse than anything in the past."
After a closed-door meeting, the town's select board moved Lincoln Police Lt. Jon Wentworth to acting chief for the time being.
"A very tough weekend for the police department, especially for the chief and his family," Wentworth said. "We're working towards continuity of operations of the police department."
Kennedy appeared Monday morning in Dedham District Court and posted bail. He was ordered to have no contact with the woman. The case was continued to June 26 for a pretrial conference.
NBC10 Boston has reached out to Kennedy and the alleged victim for comment, but has not heard back.
Westwood's police chief said he couldn't discuss the allegations, citing law over domestic incidents.
