NEW LONDON, Conn. — A New London police officer appeared in court Monday on domestic violence charges brought against him over the weekend.
Police arrested Julio Gil-Martinez, 29 on a warrant on Nov. 16, charged with Threatening in the 2nd Degree, Assault in the 3rd Degree, Strangulation in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Restraint in the 1st Degree and Interfering With An Emergency Call.
“Please be assured that we take matters like this very seriously, and we are committed to addressing this matter with the highest level of diligence,” said New London Police Chief Brian Wright.
In court Monday, the judge issued a restraining order and told Gil-Martinez he’d have to turn in all firearms.
Gil-Martinez and his attorney didn’t want to speak with reporters outside of court, but court documents reveal a little more about what detectives said lead up to the arrest.
The affidavit goes through a series of events involving a two-month dating relationship between Gil-Martinez and a 20-year-old woman.
In those documents, Gil-Martinez told officers they had a “not always great” relationship because he has some “trust issues." The papers describe an incident in the early morning hours of Nov. 14 at Gil-Martinez’s apartment, where the two lived together.
The story of that incident was told differently at different times by the woman and Gil-Martinez.
Originally, Gil-Martinez showed up at the New London Police Department, telling officers his girlfriend “stabbed him with a kitchen knife after he accused her of cheating."
Shortly after, the woman told Waterford police the two got into a physical altercation where at one point, “the victim felt she couldn’t breathe and thought that she was going to die,” according to the warrant.
When the woman tried to call 911, she told police that Gil-Martinez yelled, “you’re trying to end my career!” She then told detectives Gil-Martinez was hurting himself while saying “you did this.”
The next day, officers were called to Gil-Martinez’s apartment, where he told police he had a “’bad domestic’ and all the victim was doing was trying to help him,’” according to the warrant.
Gil-Martinez posted his $75,000 bond.
“Being a police officer, you’re supposed to protect everyone, you know. Not being violent,” said one woman who didn’t want to share her name, but lives close by.
“Maybe they should go more into background when they hire these officers because we wouldn’t want someone protecting our streets and our kids when they’re in their own relationships, not really having the best or taking the best care of them,” said Omar Whitmore, who’s staying in an apartment across the street from Gil-Martinez.
Gil-Martinez is expected back in a New London courtroom in January.
In the meantime, Police Chief Brian Wright sent out a statement in response to the arrest. The New London Police Department is also conducting an internal review of the case, along with Office of the State’s Attorney New London Judicial District.
Read the full statement below:
“Officer Julio Gil-Martinez, the member of our agency who was recently arrested on charges associated with domestic violence, has been placed on paid administrative leave. Please be assured that we take matters like this very seriously, and we are committed to addressing this matter with the highest level of diligence. Our department is deeply committed to supporting victims of domestic violence. We want to emphasize that we are here to provide assistance and resources to anyone affected by such incidents. We encourage victims to come forward and seek help, knowing that their safety and well-being are our top priorities. Furthermore, we want to assure the public that this matter is being investigated thoroughly and impartially. The New London Police Department along with the Office of the State's Attorney New London Judicial District is conducting a comprehensive review to ensure that all aspects of the case are examined properly. We are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of our department and upholding the highest standards of conduct. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we proceed with the necessary investigations.” – Chief Brian Wright, New London Police Department
Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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