CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Charleston police officer has been charged with domestic battery for allegedly grabbing his girlfriend by the throat and hitting her.

Daniel Adam Dodd became violent with his girlfriend during an argument at their home on Deer Creek Drive in St. Albans, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kanawha County Magistrate Court on Thursday.

Dodd, a patrolman with the Charleston Police Department for about four years, is on paid administrative leave until the case is resolved, said Charleston police Capt. Kevin Perdue. Police Chief Brent Webster is out of town this week.

According to the complaint, Dodd hit his girlfriend, Drema Dawn Pearson, choked her and pushed her down.

Pearson had bruises on her back, arm, thigh and neck, said State Police Trooper B.H. Moore of the South Charleston detachment.

The incident happened Wednesday evening and the victim and a witness reported it Thursday, according to Moore and the complaint.

"[Dodd] also had marks on him where she scratched him on the eye and a couple of places," Moore said. "I don't know if he will file anything. ... Apparently there is a history between the two."

Pearson was expected to meet with police again, he said.

Things must be looked at properly before disciplinary or punitive action could be taken, Perdue said. "I am sure there will be an internal investigation, but it's early," he said.

Lt. James A. Sands is the only other officer on administrative leave with the Charleston force, he said. Sands was placed on administrative leave in early June. Police have declined to comment on whether his leave is related to allegations that he worked for another employer while on the clock for Charleston.

Charleston police Lt. Steve Neddo, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 74, said he could not recall when the last officer was placed on administrative leave in connection with domestic battery.

"It's not been recently," he said. He emphasized that Dodd was on administrative leave because he is innocent until proven guilty.

Dodd was released on a personal recognizance bond and instructed not to have any contact with Pearson, according to the complaint.

To contact staff writer Gary Harki, use e-mail or call 348-5163.

Daniel Adam Dodd became violent with his girlfriend during an argument at their home on Deer Creek Drive in St. Albans, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kanawha County Magistrate Court on Thursday.

Dodd, a patrolman with the Charleston Police Department for about four years, is on paid administrative leave until the case is resolved, said Charleston police Capt. Kevin Perdue. Police Chief Brent Webster is out of town this week.

According to the complaint, Dodd hit his girlfriend, Drema Dawn Pearson, choked her and pushed her down.

Pearson had bruises on her back, arm, thigh and neck, said State Police Trooper B.H. Moore of the South Charleston detachment.

The incident happened Wednesday evening and the victim and a witness reported it Thursday, according to Moore and the complaint.

"[Dodd] also had marks on him where she scratched him on the eye and a couple of places," Moore said. "I don't know if he will file anything. ... Apparently there is a history between the two."

Pearson was expected to meet with police again, he said.

Things must be looked at properly before disciplinary or punitive action could be taken, Perdue said. "I am sure there will be an internal investigation, but it's early," he said.

Lt. James A. Sands is the only other officer on administrative leave with the Charleston force, he said. Sands was placed on administrative leave in early June. Police have declined to comment on whether his leave is related to allegations that he worked for another employer while on the clock for Charleston.

Charleston police Lt. Steve Neddo, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 74, said he could not recall when the last officer was placed on administrative leave in connection with domestic battery.

"It's not been recently," he said. He emphasized that Dodd was on administrative leave because he is innocent until proven guilty.

Dodd was released on a personal recognizance bond and instructed not to have any contact with Pearson, according to the complaint.

To contact staff writer Gary Harki, use e-mail or call 348-5163.