AKRON, Ohio — The man accused of flashing a gun strapped to his leg during a drunken fight in Lakewood is an Akron police officer.

Karl Lessman, 24, has worked with the Akron police department for nearly four months. He was arrested Sunday by Lakewood police.

Akron police's Office of Professional Standards is now looking into the matter to see if Lessman violated the city's code of conduct.

Lessman, who was officially hired by the Akron department Sept. 29, faces misdemeanor charges of using weapons while intoxicated and drunken disorderly conduct.

He is scheduled for arraignment Tuesday in Lakewood Municipal Court.

Lessman's case will also be investigated by Akron internal affairs investigators. They will give their investigation to Akron Police Chief James Nice, who will decide whether to hand down punishment.

Lessman has less protection from being fired because he is still on a probationary period for new hires, according to Akron's civil service rules. Lessman finished training and began working as a patrolman Nov. 17.

If convicted of the misdemeanors, that would automatically be a violation of Akron police's code of conduct. Even if the charges are dropped, the internal investigation would continue and could result in discipline. Akron's civil-service rules say anyone on probation can be fired at any point during that period.

Akron Police Chief James Nice said Lessman was pulled off the road and placed on restricted duty with pay. He will perform duties such as staffing the police department's information desk, or work in the radio or records rooms.

Nice said they were notified of the incident by Lakewood police on Sunday and have reviewed Lakewood's police report. Investigators are scheduled to talk with Lakewood police on Thursday. Akron internal affairs will conduct interviews and review any available surveillance video from the incident, Nice said.

"There are some questions surrounding this incident," Nice said.

Nice said a police officer carrying a weapon in a bar is not a crime nor is it a policy violation. Nice said he was unsure if the gun Lessman is accused of flashing is his city-issued service weapon or is his own gun.

Nice said that detail would make no difference on if Lessman is punished or not.

"I don't want cops drinking and carrying a weapon," Nice said.

Lessman was among three men, including Lessman's brother Kevin, 21, who argued and threw a few punches at each other about 2:40 a.m. Sunday in a parking lot near the intersection of Mathews and Detroit avenues, Lakewood police said. The trio had just a left a bar, police said.

Karl Lessman pulled up his pant leg during the fight to show the handle of a Glock 9mm pistol strapped to his leg, according to Lakewood police.

He never pulled the gun out of the holster, and no injuries were reported.