The San Jose Police Department has suspended all off-duty security work with the San Francisco 49ers amid a growing controversy involving one of its officers and his involvement in the Aug. 31 domestic violence arrest of linebacker Ray McDonald, according to a report by the San Jose Mercury News.
San Jose police department suspends work with 49ers amid questionable behavior in Ray McDonald case
Police is distancing itself from the team after allegations that one of its officers became inappropriately involved with Ray McDonald’s domestic abuse arrest.
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
The department currently has 17 officers employed as off-duty security personnel, and has taken criticism for becoming too connected to the team to effectively carry out the investigation.
It was recently revealed that Sgt. Sean Pritchard, who moonlighted for the 49ers’ security detail, attended a party at the McDonald residence earlier in the night of McDonald’s arrest, that he was reportedly called back to the scene by McDonald and that he was on location, in uniform before police arrived.
Sources told the San Jose Mercury News that Pritchard’s involvement in the case stalled the investigation and was part of the reason it took a month to be presented to the District Attorney’s Office. The case remains under review and no charges have been filed.
McDonald was arrested at his home after police responded to a domestic abuse call and found visible injuries to his pregnant fiancee.
Police also visited the residence twice in May, though no charges were filed in either call.
See More:
