| | Published July 4th, 2012
| Domestic Violence in Moraga
| | By Sophie Braccini | | |
On June 25 Moraga police arrested Joseph Rudolph Sienkiewicz at his home for domestic violence.
"We got a phone call from someone who hung up before being identified," said Police Chief Robert Priebe. "Our newest officer, Tyler Olson, and a second officer immediately went to the Moraga home. They proceeded with the arrest of the suspect since the spouse exhibited signs of injuries."
Olson took Sienkiewicz to the police station for booking, while the second officer stayed with the victim. During the booking process, Sienkiewicz attempted to take Olson's gun and fought with the officer. Sienkiewicz was subdued by Olson and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility after being treated for injuries sustained during the assault on the officer.
"There was no other officer in the station at the time of the arrest, because we had only two officers on duty that night," said Priebe, who reviewed a tape of the incident and commended Olson for his professionalism. "I was so impressed by the young man's calm when it happened."
Priebe also expressed concern that low headcount in the department sometimes leaves the station empty. "But we can always call Orinda or Lafayette for reinforcements if needed," he added.
The case was presented to the District Attorney and Sienkiewicz was charged with two felony charges associated with his attempt to disarm an officer, and one misdemeanor charge for inflicting corporal punishment on his spouse.
At the time of the incident the spouse did not request an emergency protective order against Sienkiewicz, but changed her mind later. Now free on bail, Sienkiewicz is not allowed to return to the home. Priebe said that he had no prior history of arrest in Moraga.
"We've had 17 cases of domestic violence since January of last year," said Priebe. "It is anything from verbal to physical abuse and includes violation of protective orders." Priebe says that the calls alerting police come from all sources- family members, abusers themselves, and neighbors. The police proceed with an arrest if there is injury.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA