Natick police officer on leave following domestic violence charges

A Natick police officer is on paid leave after he allegedly suffocated his fiancée with a pillow during an argument at their home in Holliston Saturday, according to court records.

Jackson Dwyer, 28, pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of assault and battery on a family or household member, strangulation or suffocation, and witness intimidation. His lawyer, David Zirlen, said the woman “already has recanted” the allegations behind all three charges.

“Things in this [case] are not what they seem to be,” Zirlen added. 

Dwyer joined the Natick Police Department in 2019 and was placed on paid administrative leave following his arrest, Deputy Police Chief Brian Lauzon confirmed in an email. 

“We are conducting an internal investigation concurrent with the criminal investigation that is being done by the Holliston Police Department,” Lauzon said.

Officers responded to Dwyer’s home shortly after 9:20 p.m. Saturday when the alleged victim called 911, according to a Holliston police report filed in court. The woman reportedly told authorities she’d gotten into a fight with her boyfriend and alleged he “beat the crap out of me.”

“Both parties are known to this department for past calls for service,” a Holliston officer noted in the report. 

The woman told police Dwyer pushed her onto a couch during a verbal altercation, then held a pillow to the back of her head before allegedly pressing her head into the couch cushion. 

“It was like he was trying to subdue a suspect,” she allegedly told officers. 

The woman further alleged that Dwyer yelled “shut up, shut up” as she screamed at him to get off of her. According to the police report, she said Dwyer also placed his hand over her mouth to stop her from screaming, and she bit him to free herself. 

The woman had no visible injuries and declined medical care, according to the court filing. Through tears, she reportedly told police she did not want Dwyer to lose his job.

“She also stated that Jackson said he was going to kill himself if he loses his job,” the police report states.  

Dwyer has been released on bail while his case is pending, court records show. His next hearing date is May 22.

Abby Patkin

Staff Writer

Abby Patkin is a general assignment news reporter whose work touches on public transit, crime, health, and everything in between.

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