Officer Faces Domestic Violence Charges, Placed On Unpaid Leave

CHARLOTTE, NC — A Charlotte office was placed on unpaid leave and is now under investigation for domestic violence charges following an altercation Tuesday evening, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said.

Stephanie Michalowski, a patrol officer who was hired by the police department in October, was charged with simple assault and misdemeanor false imprisonment following the incident, CMPD said in a statement.

According to a CMPD account, another CMPD officer was in contact with an adult subject who was involved in the altercation.

"During the course of the investigation, the officer learned the subject was assaulted and that the suspect is Stephanie Michalowski, a CMPD officer. The officer conducting the assault investigation immediately notified a CMPD police supervisor," CMPD said in a statement.

The department then launched a criminal investigation into the incidnet, as well as an internal affairs probe. Investigators from CMPD's Domestic Violence Unit presented their findings to the Mecklenburg County Magistrate, who issued a criminal summonses for simple assault and misdemeanor false imprisonment, CMPD said.

Michalowski will remain on administrative leave without pay until the conclusion of the internal affairs investigation, CMPD said.

Charlotte's top cop had strong words following the incident.

"It is always disheartening to me when I learn that one of our officers has violated the very laws that we are sworn to uphold," CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said in a statement. "Professional accountability is a priority for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and our officers are expected to maintain this standard at all times."

CMPD said the investigation into the case remains active and ongoing and that anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.