UPDATE: Zahra Abu voluntarily resigned from the Portland Police Department on June 10, 2018 prior to the completion of the police department's Internal Affairs investigation. As this is a confidential personnel matter, no additional information can or will be released. -Statement from Jessica Grondin, Director of Communications for the city of Portland
WORCESTER, Mass. (NEWS CENTER Maine) — An officer of the Portland Police Department was arrested late Saturday night in Worcester, city officials in Maine confirmed Tuesday.
According to a statement from Portland Police Chief Michael Sauschuck, Officer Zahra Abu, 24, was arrested by police in Worcester on several charges including assault and battery, trespass, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.
Worcester Police Sgt. Kerry Hazelhurst said the officer was at a music event being held at The Palladium on Main Street in Worcester. Notable rap artists Ja Rule and Ashanti were scheduled to perform a 7 p.m. show at the venue.
According to Sgt. Hazelhurst, Officer Abu was acting unruly, pushed some people, was asked to leave numerous times and refused each time. There were no other arrests and no injuries.
"This issue will be dealt with as a personnel matter from this point forward and I will have no further comment," Sauschuck said.
Abu made her first court appearance Tuesday at district court in Worcester. She has been put on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of an internal review.