A Maryland police officer has been arrested and charged with rape after allegedly assaulting a woman during a traffic stop.
Ryan Macklin, a six-year veteran of the Prince George's County Police Department, was taken into custody Monday evening, according to a news release from the department.
He has been suspended without pay, the department said, and has been charged with first-degree rape, second-degree rape, perverted practice, second-degree assault and fourth-degree sex offense.
Police said Macklin pulled the woman over at about 1 a.m. on Thursday. During the stop, police said, Macklin forced the woman "to perform a sexual act" while they were both in the woman's car in a parking lot. Police said Macklin was on duty, in uniform and driving a marked police cruiser at the time.
Prince George's County Police Chief Hank Stawinski said at a news conference that the woman came forward "several hours" after the incident with the encouragement of friends. Police said they do not know why Macklin allegedly targeted the driver.
"The charges against this officer are highly troubling," Stawinski said. "Officers take an oath to protect others, not to abuse their authority in order to victimize someone. Those who live and work in Prince George's County deserve the very best from the men and women of this department."
Stawinski said police have information that suggests "there may be additional people impacted by this officer's conduct." As a result, police ask anyone with information about this incident, Macklin or any related conduct to call 301-772-4795.
It is unclear whether Macklin has retained a lawyer.
Macklin is assigned to the Bureau of Patrol, police said. According to the department's website, he was honored as patrol officer of the month at least two times in 2014, in March and September.
