LUNENBURG, Mass. — A Lunenburg police officer has resigned after being charged with domestic assault and battery, Lt. Thomas Gammel told Boston 25 News in a statement.
Court documents obtained by Boston 25 News state Samuel W. Christensen, 24, of Lunenburg, got into a physical altercation with his girlfriend on September 21 at an apartment on Carousel Lane.
The alleged victim told police Christensen became enraged after she informed him she wanted to end their relationship. She added Christensen pinned her on a bed and placed one of his hands around her neck to prevent her from being able to talk.
The alleged victim said she then closed and locked the bedroom door and tried to call 911. She said Christensen kicked in the wooded door, grabbed her cell phone and threw it across the room, preventing her from being able to call for help.
The alleged victim said she was then able to lock herself in the bathroom and call 911. She said when she left the bathroom, Christensen struck her in the face.
Police arrested Christensen and charged him with domestic assault and battery, strangulation, witness intimidation and destruction of property less than $1,200.
Christensen pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Fitchburg District Court on September 23. He was released after posting $300 personal recognizance.
Gammel said Christensen was immediately placed on administrative leave following his arrest. As of Monday, he tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the Lunenburg Police Department.
Christensen joined the department as a reserve officer in June of last year.
The town’s Board of Selectmen appointed him as a full-time police officer on August 13. The appointment would have been effective November 3.
“Members of the Lunenburg Police Department fully understand the gravity of Domestic Violence,” Gammel said. “Officers fully investigate all allegations of domestic violence, and take the required appropriate actions.”
Christensen is due back in court on October 31 for a pre-trial hearing.
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