Duncanville policeman arrested after fellow officers accuse him of misconduct while on duty

A Duncanville police officer has been arrested after his fellow officers accused him of misconduct while on duty.

Christian Pinilla, 38, faces three counts of official oppression. He was booked into the Dallas County jail Tuesday evening.

The police department said in a written statement that “serious allegations” were raised in mid-December and that Pinilla was placed on paid administrative leave.

The department asked the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department to perform a criminal investigation “due to the nature of the allegations and to promote transparency.” Police did not say what, specifically, the allegations were.

Official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor, can include cases in which a public servant intentionally subjects someone to mistreatment, unlawful arrest or sexual harassment.

Duncanville police are conducting an internal investigation and said Pinilla would face “appropriate discipline” when that investigation is complete.

“While we are extremely disappointed to learn of the alleged misconduct and subsequent arrest of a Duncanville police officer, we are thankful the alleged misconduct was reported by other Duncanville police officers,” police Chief Robert Brown said in a written statement. “This isolated incident is not a reflection of who we are as an agency and does not reflect the values of the Duncanville Police Department or its members.”

Pinilla’s bail was set at $3,000, and it was unclear whether he had an attorney. If convicted, he could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine for each count.

The officer, who has been with the department two years, was honored by the nonprofit group Safe Kids Greater Dallas last fall after he rescued an infant from a hot car.