New Watsonville police officer accused of assault while off-duty out of state

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION) The Watsonville Police Department said one of its new officers was arrested while off-duty Thursday morning.

Police said Tyler Stephens was accused of physically assaulting a man and vandalizing property in South Lake Tahoe. He was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery and felony vandalism.

The department said Stephens was hired in April. They said in a statement:

"The allegations against Stephens are deeply unsettling for our department, our entire law enforcement community and the community of Watsonville. Our office is diligently investigating the incident.

"Rest assured, we remain committed to providing the highest-level of service to you and will work tirelessly to continue to provide a sense of safety, security and transparency to the City of Watsonville."

Watsonville Police Department