Police Officer Arrested For Allegedly Punching Girlfriend

CARLTON, Minn. (WCCO) -- A police officer in Wisconsin has been charged with assault after allegedly punching his girlfriend in the face near Cloquet, Minn., according to Carlton County Sheriff's Office.

Sgt. Daniel Hawkin II, a 19-year veteran of the Superior Police Department, was arrested Sunday by Duluth Police after the 32-year-old victim reported the alleged assault to authorities. The alleged assault occurred earlier that day along Interstate 35 between Cloquet and Scanlon.

Hawkin, 43, was charged with one misdemeanor count of fifth-degree domestic assault. He is currently being held in the Carlton County Jail.

Hawkin was placed on paid administrative leave, which is required by law and departmental policy, pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigations.