CSPD Officer arrested for misdemeanor Child Abuse

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said a CSPD K9 Officer has been arrested for alleged child abuse charges after an off duty incident on Saturday, June 1.

On Saturday, at around 9:30 p.m., officers got a call for an urgent medical assist along with the Colorado Springs Fire Department. The subject of the call was determined to be CSPD K9 Officer Jonathan Yelvington, who was off duty at the time.

Police said that Officer Yelvington appeared intoxicated and was initially unresponsive. Officer Yelvington was later taken to a medical facility for further evaluation.

CSPD’s Crimes Against Children Unit investigators conducted an investigation that resulted in the arrest of Officer Yelvington for misdemeanor Child Abuse. CSPD said the charges were from allegations of being intoxicated and unreasonably placing a child in a situation that posed a threat of injury.

Officer Yelvington was served and released with a summons to appear in court. CSPD immediately started a criminal and internal affairs investigation.

CSPD said its investigation did determine the police K9 did not bite anyone, and the involved K9 has been housed in a dog boarding facility while longer-term arrangements are being considered.

Officer Yelvington is currently on paid administrative leave during the investigation and the involved child was temporarily placed with a responsible adult.

“The Colorado Springs Police Department takes incidents such as this extremely seriously, which is why immediate action was taken. We will work through the investigative process to find answers and take further action as appropriate,” wrote CSPD.

CSPD said both the criminal investigation and internal investigation are ongoing and it cannot provide more information until both investigations are finished.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.