Texas Police Officer Accused of Raping Woman During Traffic Stop
The cop had pulled over a young woman to search her car.
Nov. 26, 2013— -- A San Antonio, Texas, police officer who was arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old woman he pulled over for a traffic stop was placed on administrative leave, police told ABC News.
Officer Jackie Neal, 40, is being investigated in connection with the sexual assault of the woman in San Antonio last week, San Antonio Police Department spokesman Roger Zuniga said Monday.
Neal, who lives in San Antonio, is accused of assaulting the teen while he was on duty, in full uniform and in a marked patrol car, Zuniga told ABC News.
"This conduct is unthinkable and I'm absolutely outraged," San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said in a statement. "Once we became aware of the allegation, we took prompt action."
Neal, an 11-year veteran of the police force, allegedly stopped the victim Friday morning, searched her vehicle, handcuffed her and touched her on her breasts over her shirt, police said. He then had nonconsensual sex with the woman, according to a police report.
Neal was arrested after a traffic stop at about 2 a.m. Saturday morning, police said. An emergency protective order was filed against Neal to protect the victim and her child, according to the report.
A voicemail left at a number listed for Neal was not immediately returned.
Neal is on administrative leave and has not been suspended, Zuniga noted. "It removes the officer from the work environment. Currently Neal is receiving pay but that could change if he is indicted," Zuniga added.
He referred questions about whether there were any previous complaints against Neal to San Antonio's Firefighters' and Police Officers' Civil Service Commission, which did not reply to a request for comment.
The Bexar County District Attorney's Office referred questions about the case to the San Antonio Police Department.
"A high standard of conduct is a priority of the S.A.P.D." McManus said, referring to the police department. "I praise the victim for having the courage to come forward and having the confidence in the S.A.P.D. to handle the case effectively."