Greeley Police Arrest Officer Accused Of Fondling

GREELEY, Colo. (AP/CBS4) - Greeley police have arrested an officer accused of inappropriately touching a 19-year-old woman during a pat-down search.

Police Chief Jerry Garner says Daniel Shepherd, 28, pulled the woman over around 5:15 a.m. March 13 after police were called to a party she had attended. Garner says others at the party said she was too drunk and needed to leave. Investigators allege Shepherd pulled her over after following her from the party.

Shepherd is on administrative leave. He was arrested Friday on suspicion of felony sexual assault and official oppression. His bond was set at $50,000.

"It's hard on the department's image, it's hard on the individual officers," Chief Jerry Garner said. "But it's something; we're a professional organization and we'll get through this."

Shepherd has been with Greeley police for 3 years. Colleagues from his department conducted the investigation and made the arrest Friday.

Shepherd has an unlisted phone number, and it wasn't known if he has an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

Greeley police will also conduct an internal investigation.