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Boston Police Officer Pleads Not Guilty To Assault Charges

BOSTON (CBS) – A Boston police officer is being held on $5,000 bail after police say he pointed a gun at two people Wednesday night.

The officer, Sandro Fonseca, 30, of Roxbury, pleaded not guilty Thursday to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.  He has been placed on administrative leave.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports

Boston Police Officer Pleads Not Guilty To Assault Charges

At his arraignment in Roxbury District Court, a judge ordered Fonseca also attend a 30-day rehabilitation program for alcohol use.

According to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, Fonseca pointed a handgun at a woman and her disabled husband in the area of Forest Street Wednesday night.

sandro fonseca
Sandro Fonseca (Christina Hager/Boston Police report)

The woman told officers one of the suspects was armed with a black handgun that had a "laser beam sight," police said.

The victim, Mikia Steed, told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 that Fonseca's friends told her he was "just drunk and he's a cop."

The victim said the man then fled into 66 Forest Street.

Police say after several requests, Fonseca opened the door.

During a search, officers say they discovered a blue steel .380 Smith & Wesson "Bodyguard" with a sight laser.

The DA's office says Fonseca was off-duty at the time and the handgun is not believed to be his service weapon.

Fonseca will remain on leave with pay during the investigation.

According to court records, he served in Iraq and has received numerous commendations from Boston Police.

Fonseca's lawyer said his client saved his partner's life in July, by shooting a suspect and is likely a candidate for a Hannah Medal.

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