North Shore Police Officer Indicted On Assault, Civil Rights Violation Charges

LYNN, MA — A former Lynn police officer has been indicted on an assault and battery and civil rights violation charge after the Essex County District Attorney's Office said he was accused of using "unreasonable force" while responding to a call in Lynn in May.

The Essex DA's Office said Christopher Gomez is accused of "depriving the victim of his right to bodily security guaranteed by federal and state constitutions" during a call to a Lynn home on May 16.

Gomez is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 8 in Essex County Superior Court in Salem. He has since resigned from the Lynn Police Department.

While there is body-worn camera footage depicting the incident, the Essex DA's Office said this material will not be released at this time, consistent with "ethical rules concerning pre-trial release of information that may prejudice an ongoing criminal proceeding and compromise the fair trial rights of the accused."

The Lynn Police Department issued a statement saying it initially investigated the case internally in May and referred it to the Essex DA's Office.

"The Lynn Police Department cooperated fully with the district attorney's office throughout its investigation," the statement said. "As this matter is now the subject of an ongoing criminal proceeding, the department will not comment further on specific facts or evidence related to the case."

Lynn police said he submitted his resignation prior to being terminated.

"The Lynn Police Department remains committed to accountability, transparency and maintaining the trust of the community we serve," Lynn police said.