Westminster police officer released after assault, strangulation charges

WORCESTER, Mass. — A Westminster police officer accused of assaulting and strangling a family member has been suspended with pay and released on personal recognizance, according to the Worcester County District Attorney's Office.

Richard Michel, 46, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, strangulation or suffocation, destruction of property, breaking and entering and intimidation of a witness, before he was released and deemed not dangerous.

Michel has been ordered to have no contact with the witnesses, given a restraining order and ordered to refrain from using excessive amounts of alcohol.

Westminster Police Acting Chief Michael McDonald confirms Michel has been suspended with pay.

"We have no tolerance for any behavior such as this and we take this event very seriously," McDonald told Boston 25 News.

This story has been updated with a comment from Westminster Police.

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