RIDGECREST, CA – A Ridgecrest Police Department officer has been arrested following a domestic violence investigation that has sent shockwaves through the local law enforcement community. Authorities confirmed that Officer Laura Kenney, 37, was taken into custody on the afternoon of Monday, July 29, after being identified as the primary suspect in a disturbing domestic incident.
The case began unfolding at approximately 10:00 a.m., when a concerned community member contacted law enforcement to report a possible domestic violence situation. According to Ridgecrest Police officials, the caller specifically identified an RPD officer as the alleged perpetrator, prompting immediate involvement by investigators to ensure transparency and accountability.
Upon arrival, detectives with the department launched a full investigation. During the initial response, officers reportedly observed a minor but visible injury on the victim’s face, raising further concerns. It was additionally alleged that the victim was holding an infant at the time the assault occurred, compounding the gravity of the accusations and leading to the added charge of child abuse.
Detectives proceeded to conduct multiple witness interviews at the scene and nearby locations in an effort to verify the sequence of events. The accounts provided by witnesses were consistent and credible, police said, allowing detectives to establish probable cause for arrest.
By 2:21 p.m., Officer Laura Kenney was formally arrested on charges of Infliction of Injury on a Spouse and Child Abuse. She was transported to the Ridgecrest Police Department for booking and processing. She was subsequently released on bail, pending further legal proceedings.
The Ridgecrest Police Department has issued a brief statement acknowledging the arrest and affirming their commitment to a full and impartial investigation, regardless of the suspect’s position within the department.
“We take all allegations of domestic violence seriously, and no one is above the law,” the statement reads. “The integrity of our department and the safety of our community are of the utmost importance. This matter is being handled with the appropriate diligence and objectivity.”
As of Tuesday morning, no further details have been released regarding the identities of the victims or the exact circumstances leading up to the alleged assault. It remains unclear whether Officer Kenney has been placed on administrative leave or if internal disciplinary action is underway.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. In the meantime, the incident has raised broader questions about officer conduct, accountability, and the importance of transparency when those entrusted with enforcing the law are themselves accused of breaking it.
More information is expected to be released in the coming days as the case proceeds through the Kern County justice system. Ridgecrest DomesticViolence OfficerArrested ChildAbuse #CaliforniaNews
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