Police officer arrested, accused of child abuse and kidnapping, Sanger police say
A Chowchilla police officer was booked into Fresno County jail Saturday, accused of kidnapping, child abuse and felony assault.
The Sanger Police Department reported Monday that it was told of a disturbance in Orange Cove that had started in Sanger. Officers learned that a disturbance stemmed from the transportation of two minor children from Sanger to Orange Cove and that a fight occurred.
Sanger police said following the fight, the two minors and a man were reportedly taken from Sanger to Orange Cove against their will.
Officers learned the person suspected of the alleged crimes was Chowchilla police officer Douglas Devine. He was taken into custody without incident at the Sanger Police Department headquarters Saturday night.
Chowchilla police were notified of the arrest and placed Devine on administrative leave.
“We will be monitoring the charges and if there is merit to the allegations, the officer will face serious disciplinary action,” Police Chief Jeffrey Palmer said on social media. “This type of conduct, is not a reflection of the men and women of our department who serve this city honorably.”
Police are still investigating the incident.
This story was originally published June 9, 2025 at 7:55 PM.
