A police officer assigned to the district of St. Thomas/St. John was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated assault and battery/domestic violence, the V.I. Police Department reported.

Police said that officer Travis Wyatt, 24, pushed and struck the mother of his child, causing her injuries, about 6:30 p.m. Monday. Wyatt was arrested about 10:50 p.m. and held without bail pending his advice of rights hearing.

At that hearing held Tuesday morning, Wyatt was released on his own recognizance by the presiding judge. At this time Wyatt is on leave with pay pending further internal review of his case.

Officers are well aware of the consequences of domestic violence, according to acting Police Commissioner Rodney Querrard.

"It’s a sad day anytime an officer who is sworn to uphold the law is arrested for breaking the law,” Querrard said. “It is part of the police academy curriculum, and in my address to every graduating class I emphasize that domestic violence can ruin your police career."