Stockton Fire Chief Erik Newman was arrested Thursday on a charge of felony domestic spousal abuse following an alleged assault that happened last weekend in Turlock.
The incident was reported Saturday night, according to the Turlock Police Department. Investigators attempted to contact Newman but were unable to reach him, so they called Stockton Police, who made the arrest at Stockton’s City Hall.
Stockton officials immediately put Newman on administrative leave. He was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail with bail set at $50,000.
“We take these charges seriously and are awaiting to learn more from Turlock officials,” Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs said in a statement. “Chief Newman is set to retire July 1 and a transition plan is in place.”
Newman had plans to retire at the end of this month before the arrest occurred. He served as Stockton’s fire chief for the last four years.
Stockton Firefighters Local 456 posted on their Facebook page on Thursday that the arrest came as a surprise to them.
“No matter what outcome occurs, your Stockton firefighters will continue to serve the community with the utmost professionalism,” they wrote.
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