New Jersey – An Edison police officer accused of slashing someone’s tires in a domestic dispute Monday night has been stripped of his gun and badge.
Paul Pappas, a 15-year veteran of the force, was arrested in New Brunswick and charged with criminal mischief, specifically slashing a tire, municipal court records show.
The arrest happened around 10 p.m. Monday on Hiram Square in the city, according to New Brunswick police Capt. J.T. Miller. He declined to release any additional information about the case because it was a domestic incident.
Edison Attorney William Northgrave said Tuesday the township was aware of the incident, which is under investigation by the local police, but would not comment citing it as a personnel matter.
“Further comment would be inappropriate at this time except to say the police officer involved has been relieved of his badge and service weapon pending further investigation,” Northgrave said in a statement.
Pappas was hired by the department in 2003 and has an annual salary of $130,240, according to state pension records.
In 2012, an NJ Advance Media investigation into the Edison police force revealed multiple excessive force lawsuits and domestic disputes involving Pappas.