Ex-Long Beach Officer Who Allegedly Assaulted Man To Face Judge Today

LONG BEACH, CA – An ex-Long Beach police detective accused of assaulting his estranged wife's boyfriend will face a judge today to determine if there's enough evidence to move forward with a trial. Toby Benskin, 35, faces three counts of assault with a firearm, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count each of assault, making criminal threats, first-degree burglary and false imprisonment.

Prosecutors say Benskin – while still employed as a city police officer – broke into the alleged victim's home on Oct. 27, 2015, and assaulted and threatened to kill the man before threatening his roommate. Benskin then allegedly forcibly dragged his estranged wife out of the residence.

The Long Beach Police Department said it learned of the alleged crime the following day, launched an administrative investigation and placed Benskin on administrative leave. On June 20, 2016, Benskin, a 14-year veteran of the department, was fired and the department presented the case to the District Attorney's Office.

"When we take our oath of office, we assume a tremendous responsibility which includes upholding the values and maintaining the integrity of our police department and profession," Long Beach police Chief Robert Luna said in a statement. "When an officer betrays the public trust we have worked so hard to cultivate, they must be held accountable."

If convicted as charged, Benskin faces up to 25 years and eight months in prison.

City News Service and Patch staffer Emily Holland contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock