CHELSEA — An off-duty Chelsea police officer has been arrested and placed on administrative leave following an early morning incident that led to criminal charges.
According to a statement from Chelsea’s Police Chief Keith Houghton, officers responded to a report of a disturbance at approximately 1:34 a.m. on Thursday, July 3.
After conducting on-scene interviews, police developed probable cause to arrest 33-year-old Officer Michael Villanueva on charges that include domestic assault and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
With assistance from the Everett Police Department, Villanueva was located shortly afterward and taken into custody by Chelsea officers without incident.
Villanueva’s arraignment was scheduled for the day of his arrest – July 3, 2025 – in Chelsea District Court.
Chief Houghton said Villanueva has been placed on administrative leave while both the criminal case and an internal investigation by the department’s Professional Standards Division are underway.
“The Chelsea Police Department takes these matters seriously and is fully cooperating with the judicial process,” Chief Houghton said. Adding, “No further comments will be made by the Chelsea Police Department at this time as the investigation proceeds, additional information may be released by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.”
