FITCHBURG A 25-year-old Lunenburg Police officer resigned from his position Monday shortly after he was placed on leave after being accused of domestic assault and battery.

Samuel W. Christensen, of 24 Stevens St., was arraigned in Fitchburg District Court on Monday after being charged with “domestic assault and battery, strangulation, witness intimidation, and destruction of property less than $1,200,” according to court documents.

Lunenburg Police Chief James Marino said Monday Christensen was placed on paid administrative leave after he learned of the allegations.

Christensen resigned later on Monday.

According to court documents, on Sept. 21, Christensen was arrested following a physical altercation with his girlfriend at her apartment.

The woman told officers that she told Christenen she wanted to end their relationship, which caused him to become enraged.

The victim told police Christensen put his hands on the victim’s neck while she was pinned on the bed, causing enough pressure around her neck area to prevent her from talking.

After that occurred, the woman closed and locked the bedroom door in an attempt to call for help, she told police.

Christensen allegedly kicked in the door, causing it to break, and entered the room. While in the room, he grabbed her cell phone and threw it across the room, preventing her from calling for help, she told police.

She was able to then lock herself in the bathroom and called 911. When she left the bathroom, Christensen allegedly struck her in the face, she told police.

Christensen, who pleaded not guilty, is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on Thursday, Oct. 31. He was released after posting a $300 cash bail on Sept. 23, according to court documents.

Christensen joined the Lunenburg Police Department as a reserve officer on June 5, 2018.

He was recently appointed as a full-time police officer by the Lunenburg Board of Selectmen on Aug. 13. The appointment would be effective Nov. 3.

Records show this was not Christensen’s first time in court.

On Jan. 2, 2017, he was arrested and later charged with a driving under hte influence and reckless operation of a vehicle in Keene, New Hampshire, where he was attending Keene State College.

Christensen pleaded guilty in Cheshire County District Court to the reckless operation charge and the DUI charge was dropped.

He was fined $620, had his license suspended for 60 days, and was required to complete Licensed Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselling.