RALEIGH, N.C. — The Raleigh Police Department fired an officer Friday, charging him with assaulting a female.

The two misdemeanor charges against Officer Mark Foster, 33, stem from an improper search conducted in conjunction with a traffic stop on July 17.

The traffic stop took place at 12:14 a.m. in the 1500 block of Lake Wheeler Rd., according to police.

No injuries were sustained as a result of the incident.

The department's Internal Affairs Unit initiated an investigation immediately upon receiving a complaint. After reviewing the results of that investigation, the Wake County District Attorney's Office made the determination regarding appropriate charges.

"The men and women of law enforcement hold themselves to high professional standards, and they know the public has a right to expect no less." said Chief of Police Jane Perlov. "It is a sad day for the department and for citizens when an officer is charged with a crime stemming from his or her on-duty conduct."

Foster was hired by the Raleigh Police Department in September 2002.