Kalamazoo officer arrested, suspended

BLOOMINGDALE, Mich. (WOOD) - A Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer is on administrative leave after police said he got into a fight with his spouse and assaulted her.

Steven V. Luthy was arrested July 31 when police responded to his home on 40th Street in Bloomingdale after receiving a 911 call. Van Buren County sheriff's deputies found that Luthy's spouse had visible injuries. Luthy was then taken to the Van Buren County Jail.

Luthy was charged with domestic violence -- a misdemeanor -- the next day, police records show. He was released from custody and placed on administrative leave, as a KDPS internal investigation continues.

"It's certainly troubling for all parties," KDPS Chief Jeff Hadley said. "It's an unfortunate incident, not only for Mr. Luthy, but for his wife and family and for the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety."

Hadley told 24 Hour News 8 that Luthy has been with the department for 10 years and worked as an investigator on the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team.

Luthy was recognized in 2003 by the department with a Professional Excellence Award, according to the department's website. He recieved the award after working diligently to track down a suspect after a car hit a pedestrian and the driver fled the scene.