LAPD Officer Charged in Alleged Kidnapping and Child Abuse

Anthony Gutierrez, a Los Angeles Police Department officer, has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from an alleged domestic dispute with the mother of his children. Prosecutors charged him on October 28 with abduction, an armed attack and two felony allegations of abusing children involving the couple’s two children.

The alleged incident took place at the family’s home on October 26. Prosecutors say an argument escalated, and Gutierrez pointed a gun at the woman before taking her out of the house. A law enforcement source described him dragging her into the street at gunpoint. The children were present, prosecutors said.

LAPD officers arrested Gutierrez after responding to the incident. He entered his not-guilty pleas during a court hearing on October 28. His bail was set at $350,000.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the allegations represented a betrayal of an officer’s duty to protect. He also said domestic violence can have lasting effects on victims and their families.

The child abuse charges allege mistreatment that could result in severe bodily harm or prove fatal. Prosecutors have not explained the nature of those allegations. If convicted of all charges, Gutierrez could face up to 20 years and eight months in state prison.