Cop facing assault charge back at work

HAVERHILL (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - A Haverhill police officer charged with assaulting his wife has been allowed to return to work.

Deputy Chief Donald Thompson tells The Eagle-Tribune that Patrolman David MacKinnon returned to work late last week, but he is only allowed to work in the station and a judge's order than bars him from carrying a weapon remains in effect.

MacKinnon had been on administrative leave since the alleged incident at the couple's Groveland home on Dec. 30.

MacKinnon was charged with assault and battery on his wife.

Police say the 5-year veteran grabbed his wife by the back of the neck and pushed her face into a bed during an argument about one of their children.

MacKinnon is free on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty.