CRESTON, Iowa – Officials with the Iowa DCI, Monday, said a Creston Police Officer was arrested on an assault charge over the weekend. Officers with the Creston Police Department were dispatched at around 5-a.m. Sunday, to 306 West Seneca in Creston, to investigate an incomplete 911 call. Responding officers were met by an adult female with visible physical injuries,  including deep cuts to her head. The female reported being assaulted by Eric Shawler, an off-duty officer with the Creston Police Department.

Investigators say the woman told police Shawler had smashed her head into a table, thrown her into a door and kicked her several times. Shawler denied he had attacked the woman, but investigators say there were inconsistencies in his story. Shawler, who was at the home, was transported to the Union County Law Enforcement Center for follow-up investigation.

Eric Shawler

At the request of Creston Police Chief Paul Vermeer, a Special Agent with the Division of Criminal Investigation conducted an independent investigation into the assault. At approximately 12:00-p.m., Sunday, Eric Shawler was charged with one count of Domestic Assault Causing Injury (Aggravated Misdemeanor). Shawler was transported to the Adams County Jail. He has since posted bond.

Shawler has been placed on paid administrative leave.