FREEHOLD, N.J. — A Monmouth County corrections officer has been charged in connection with an attack on a couple at an Atlantic City casino, authorities said Tuesday. The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared online, has led to the officer’s suspension without pay.
The officer, Keila Diaz, was involved in the altercation at an unidentified casino, according to officials. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden confirmed the suspension and noted that the investigation is ongoing. No motive for the attack has been provided by authorities.
Footage of the incident, which circulated on social media, shows Diaz confronting and assaulting the couple. Specific details regarding the cause of the confrontation have not been disclosed.
“This type of behavior is inexcusable from anyone, but, particularly from a member of law enforcement, who at all times, on or off duty, should exhibit the highest level of professionalism, with honor and integrity,” he said.
The criminal investigation into the incident is ongoing. No further details regarding the couple’s condition or the specific charges against Diaz were available as of Tuesday.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED:
County officials have not yet released a statement regarding this week’s pizza box brawl at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City. A woman who was arrested during that brawl after knocking a woman out with a pizza box has been identified as a Monmouth County Correctional Officer.
A couple was arrested early Sunday morning following an alleged assault on another couple at the Quarter at Tropicana, according to the Atlantic City Police Department.
Officers Jose Zamorano and Moustafa Maarouf responded to reports of a physical altercation involving several individuals at approximately 2:56 a.m. on September 15. Upon investigation, Damian Pineyro, 35, and Keila Diaz, 47, were taken into custody.
According to records, Diaz works for the Monmouth County Jail. Diaz graduated from the Monmouth County Corrections Officer course in 2014 and earns approximately $64,000 per year. Diaz was captured in the video wearing hip boots and a short skirt, armed with a box of pizza. After slamming the victim with the box, sending pizza flying through the Tropicana Hotel galleria, she and her boyfriend allegedly beat the woman until she was knocked unconscious.
Police allege that Pineyro harassed the victims before punching the female victim in the face.
After she fell, Pineyro reportedly assaulted the male victim and brandished a knife, though no contact was made. Diaz is accused of kicking and punching the female victim, who lost consciousness during the attack. She was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Pineyro has been charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and terroristic threats. Diaz faces charges of aggravated assault and simple assault.
Both were released on a summons and are scheduled for a future court appearance.
At this time, the Monmouth County has not said whether or not Diaz has been placed on suspension for her part in the violent attack.
