State’s first Somali police officer arrested at concert

Worcester police confirm they arrested Zahra Abu on Saturday at a Ja Rule concert.

Police said Abu is charged with assault and battery, resisting arrest, misdemeanor disturbing the peace, disorderly behavior and trespassing.

Police said Abu was released at the Worcester police station.

Portland police said Abu is on paid administrative leave pending an internal review.

“The Portland Police Department was notified late Saturday night of the arrest of Police Officer Zahra Abu in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Several charges include Assault and Battery, Trespass, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, and Disturbing the Peace were listed, but I would ask that you follow up with the Worcester Police Department for further details.

This issue will be dealt with as a personnel matter from this point forward so I will have no further comment,” Police Chief Michael Sauschuck said in a statement.

Abu is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 25.

Abu was sworn in as a new member of the Portland Police Department in January 2016.

According to the University of Southern Maine, Abu’s alma mater, she was Maine’s first Somali police officer.

At the time, her family told the university that she was the second Somali police officer in the nation.