BRIGHAM CITY, Utah — A Brigham City school resource officer has been placed on administrative leave and charged with assault following an interaction with a student in February, authorities said.
Casey Carlsen, 46, a school resource officer at Box Elder Middle School, faces a class B misdemeanor assault charge.
The Brigham City Police Department said the student’s parents initially reported the interaction to the Box Elder School District. The school district filed a formal complaint with the police department on Feb. 24, and Carlsen was placed on administrative leave the following day. He will remain on leave until the court case is resolved.
To ensure an unbiased review, the Brigham City Police Department referred the complaint to the Ogden City Police Department for an independent investigation. The findings were submitted to an independent attorney, who ultimately filed the charge against Carlsen.
In a statement, the Brigham City Police Department expressed support for the officer while emphasizing the legal process.
“Brigham City Police Department stands behind Officer Carlsen and has faith in the justice system,” the department said. “Brigham City Corporation and especially its police department believe in the tenet that all individuals are entitled to due process.”
The department noted that “breaking the law and breaking department policies are not the same thing,” and confirmed it is conducting a separate internal investigation to determine if Carlsen violated agency policies.
The department added that it remains committed to helping local schools maintain safe environments and that resource officers provide valuable support in finding administrative solutions for school-age children.