Arcadia officer suspended after arrest

A city of Arcadia police officer has been suspended following an arrest on March 15.

While a press release issued by the city did not name the officer, one of its full-time policemen, Israel Garcia, was listed on the La Crosse County Jail roster after an arrest on March 15. The charge was listed as obstructing an officer with a $300 cash bond. 

As of Monday of this week, charges had not been filed. 

A press release issued by the city and signed by Mayor John Kimmel said the city is not “pre-judging the officer but the sheriff’s department and district attorney believe there is ‘probable cause.’” The release said the officer would be suspended until the matter is resolved through the court system.

The suspension leaves the city with just two of its five full-time officers working. Former chief Diana Anderson resigned in January and officer Brandon Larson left the city earlier this month. 

In the release, Kimmel wrote Trempealeau County Sheriff Brett Semingson has advised the city that his department will assist in policing the city.