Durham officer accused of assaulting 11-year-old

Officer Lauren Maidment, who has been with the department for almost three years, has been placed on administrative duty, but no charges have been filed, spokesman Wil Glenn said.

A news release issued by the department Monday evening said officers had responded to the 2300 block of South Alston Avenue at about 9:30 a.m. "to assist a Durham resident with a child in crisis."

Police declined to provide other details about the incident because it involved a juvenile. But a police report indicates the officers were to assist with an involuntary psychiatric commitment.

"As a result of routine supervisory review, the department has initiated an administrative investigation into the incident to ensure that all policies and procedures were followed," the news release states.

The police report also Shannon Gigliotti as a witness. Gigliotti, who works at the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service, a group committed to fighting poverty, said Tuesday that she couldn't comment on the incident.

Maidment's mother came to her daughter's defense on Tuesday.

"She works hard. She worked really hard to get where she is. I pray every day that this is going to turn out OK," Linda Maidment said through tears.