A Boulder, Colorado, police officer with less than a year on the job was arrested last week on misdemeanor charges tied to an alleged off-duty domestic violence incident and official misconduct.
The Denver Post, citing an arrest affidavit, reported that investigators allege Matthew Herkalo accessed information about the call in a law enforcement database after the argument. That allegation is central to the official misconduct charge.
Herkalo, 24, has been with the Boulder Police Department since July 2024. In a public statement, the City of Boulder said the alleged incidents occurred while he was off duty and that the Erie Police Department developed the criminal charges. The city said Herkalo turned himself in to Erie Police on Monday afternoon.
He was later booked into the Boulder County Jail, Denver7 reported. Boulder officials placed him on paid administrative leave under department policy. The city also emphasized that the charges are allegations and that Herkalo is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
How the Investigation Unfolded
The Denver Post reported that Erie police were called after neighbors reported hearing a loud argument between a man and a woman.
One neighbor reportedly heard the woman yell for Herkalo to “get his hands off her.” Another said they heard the woman ask, “What are you going to do? Break my jaw?”
When officers arrived, the woman appeared upset and nervous, according to the affidavit. The Denver Post reported that she initially told officers that nothing physical had happened and said she was worried Herkalo would lose his job. Investigators later wrote that she confirmed Herkalo had threatened to break her jaw.
The affidavit also alleges that while Erie police were speaking with the woman, Herkalo texted her that he had “just looked up the call” and knew that two people had reported hearing the argument.
Erie Police Developed the Charges
The City of Boulder said the Erie Police Department developed the criminal charges against Herkalo for misdemeanor domestic violence, harassment, and official misconduct.
According to the city, Herkalo turned himself in on Monday afternoon and was arrested by Erie Police. Boulder officials later announced that he had been placed on paid administrative leave under department policy.
The city said Herkalo has been employed as a Boulder police officer since July 2024.
What Happens Next
Local reports and Boulder officials identify the charges as misdemeanors connected to domestic violence, harassment, and official misconduct. The case now moves through the court system, where prosecutors must prove the allegations.
The City of Boulder’s statement included the standard presumption-of-innocence language, noting that the charges are accusations and that Herkalo is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
Separate from the criminal proceedings, Boulder Police will determine whether any administrative action is warranted based on the case outcome and any internal review.
Readers Focused on the Database Access Allegation
After The Denver Post shared the story on Facebook, many readers focused on the allegation that Herkalo accessed information about the call while Erie police were investigating.
Several commenters questioned how an officer could allegedly look up information connected to a call involving himself. Others debated the paid administrative leave required under department policy while the criminal case proceeds.
Many readers said the allegation of database access was the most troubling part of the case, arguing that law enforcement officers should be held to a high standard when it comes to accessing sensitive information.