A Los Angeles police officer was charged after he was accused of kidnapping and attacking a woman who is the mother of his children while off duty, the LA County District Attorney’s Office said Thursday.
Anthony Guiterrez, 30, of Sylmar, got into an argument with his alleged victim, and it escalated in front of their children. The DA’s office said Guiterrez held the woman at gunpoint, and the two walked out of the house together.
Guiterrez and the victim, who share two children, were dating at the time, the DA’s office said.
“A law enforcement officer takes an oath to serve and protect, and that responsibility does not end when the uniform comes off,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. “The defendant allegedly betrayed that oath by committing an act of violence against his own family.”
Guiterrez was charged with one felony count each of kidnapping and assault with a firearm, and two felony counts of child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death. Guiterrez pleaded not guilty to the charges.
If convicted as charged, Guiterrez faces 20 years, eight months in state prison, according to the DA’s office.
Guiterrez was released from custody after being held on $150,000 bail, according to jail records. He was scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on Dec. 4.
The LAPD declined to confirm to NBC Los Angeles whether the officer is still employed with the department.
“The Department is aware of a Department employee arrest. As this is an ongoing investigation no further comments will be made,” the LAPD said.
