PUEBLO, Colo. -- A Pueblo police officer is in jail accused of sexually assaulting a woman after responding to a domestic violence call early Thursday morning.
Officer Benjamin Candelaria was arrested after a woman involved in a domestic violence call he responded to during the early hours of Thursday, told hospital staff later that day that she had been touched by Candelaria.
The woman told the staff she had limited memory due to alcohol use prior to her assault, according to a press release sent out by the Pueblo Police Department.
Officer Candelaria went to a home at around 12:39 a.m. Thursday and arrested a male suspect in connection to the domestic violence situation. The male suspect was arrested and charged with assault/domestic violence and violation of a protection order. During this time, Candelaria was reportedly finalizing paperwork with the woman to conclude the investigation.
"Pueblo Police command staff were notified and a criminal investigation into the allegations were conducted in conjunction with the District Attorney’s office," an official said in the press release.
Candelaria was arrested Friday and was subsequently taken to the Pueblo County Detention Center to face charges of sexual assault.
"It should be known the Pueblo Police Department holds its officers to a higher standard and accountable for their actions and has concern for victims of sexual assault," the press release stated.
Candelaria will be on administrative leave until further notice. The investigation is ongoing.
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