A Portland police officer who was the first Somali native sworn to a Maine law enforcement agency is on administrative leave after she was arrested in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Zahra Abu was arrested in Worcester on charges of assault and battery, trespass, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace, according to Portland Police Chief Michael Sauschuck.
A Worcester police officer told media outlets Abu attended a concert Saturday, featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti, when she caused a disturbance. The officer says Abu was given several opportunities to leave the venue but did not, and subsequently was arrested.
Abu could not be reached for comment. She was widely celebrated for breaking barriers last year when she joined the Portland police.