FARMINGTON A New Mexico state police officer was arrested Tuesday morning after he allegedly bit his wife on the lip and hit her, authorities said.
Luis Serrano, 28, who was employed Feb. 8, 2009, was placed on paid administrative leave following the incident and his employment status will be determined by the end of the week, State Police Lt. Eric Garcia said in a release. He was charged with misdemeanor battery against a household member.
"It all depends on the circumstances of the case," spokesman Peter Olson said of his employment status. "Every issue is handled as an individual issue and we have to look at all the facts of the case before we make a determination."
He is accused of slapping his wife twice in the face, holding her down on the bed and shaking her face from side to side while holding it tightly, according to court records.
At about 4 a.m., San Juan County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to 186 County Road 3050, where Serrano and his wife were staying at a friend's house, according to court records.
The couple's friend, Ashley Polanco, told police she heard "a smack which she described as sounding like a slap on bare skin," and heard Serrano's wife cry out, "please stop, you're hurting me," according to court records.
Polanco told police Serrano was verbally harassing his wife about her old boyfriends.
Serrano denied he slapped her or that any other violence took place.
"Luis said that he tried to kiss his wife and that she bit him on the lip," according to court records. Both Serrano and his wife were drinking.
The deputy noticed redness and swelling on the wife's lips, but did not see any visible injuries on Serrano's face, according to court records.
The case was forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for review, Garcia said.
Elizabeth Piazza: [email protected]
