Marietta police officer charged with battery in Powder Springs

An internal investigation has been launched by the Marietta Police Department after one of their officers was arrested in Powder Springs on battery charges.

Martin Duenas, who works with the uniform patrol division during the day watch, the department confirms, was charged with battery stemming from a domestic dispute Dec. 24.

According to a police report, Deunas got into a verbal argument with his girlfriend, who he lives with. The report states Duenas threw a cigar box at the back of her head while she was holding his 5-year-old son and later slapped her across the face.

Deunas left the scene, police said, but was later taken into custody.

Duenas, who was hired in August 2014, has been placed on administrative leave as Marietta Police begin their own internal investigation.

Duenas came to the Marietta Police Department from the military.