Lawrence police officer arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, kidnapping charges

Lawrence police on Tuesday morning arrested one of their officers, 32-year-old William Jacob Burke, on suspicion of domestic battery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, kidnapping and criminal threat.

Burke, of Lawrence, is accused of restraining, battering and threatening the victim, with whom he has a “domestic relationship,” during an incident last month, police spokesman Sgt. Trent McKinley said Tuesday. Police received the domestic violence report Monday.

Investigators interviewed Burke and determined there was probable cause to arrest him on suspicion of the five charges, McKinley said.

The incident occurred while the patrol officer was off duty, McKinley said. Burke has been with the department since August 2011.

Burke has been suspended from duty while the investigation continues. He is being paid on suspension until he is formally charged. McKinley said. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance Wednesday afternoon.

“If he is charged tomorrow, the city manager will review that and determine if he needs to be changed to unpaid status,” McKinley said Tuesday.

Burke is being held in the Douglas County Jail without bond. The Douglas County Jail’s policy is not to release booking photos until suspects make their first appearances.