Las Vegas officer relieved of duty; faces domestic battery and burglary charges
A Las Vegas police officer charged with domestic battery and burglary stemming from an incident with his ex-girlfriend has been relieved of duty without pay.
Patrol officer David Pisciotta, Jr., 24, was arrested by Las Vegas police and booked at Clark County Detention Center after allegedly pushing Tiffany Nelson, 24, to the ground during an argument about 1:30 a.m. March 18.
Later that day, Pisciotta allegedly drove to Nelson’s workplace and used a spare key to steal Nelson’s purse from her car, according to his arrest report.
Las Vegas police officers responding to Nelson’s workplace noted a bruise on Nelson’s left arm and a cut on her palm, which she said occurred when Pisciotta attempted to grab her car keys from her hand during the argument earlier that morning.
Pisciotta later admitted to throwing Nelson’s phone, but denied pushing her or injuring her hand.
Although Nelson’s purse was in his truck, Pisciotta said Nelson had forgotten it in the apartment.
Pisciotta told officers he entered her car, but only wanted to retrieve an iPod.
Pisciotta, who has been with the Metropolitan Police Department since May 2009, will remain suspended pending the outcome of a criminal investigation. Internal affairs also is investigating.
The battery charge is a misdemeanor, but the burglary charge is a felony.
A court appearance for Pisciotta is scheduled for May 17.