Russell Byrd: Riviera Beach police officer placed on leave, accused of assaulting man while off duty

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. -- A Riviera Beach police officer was placed on paid administrative leave Monday after allegations that he assaulted a man.

The Riviera Beach Police Police Department is investigating the allegations made by a man who said he was assaulted by Officer Russell Byrd at Byrd's home, according to police spokesperson Rose Anne Brown.

Officer Byrd was off duty at the time of the reported incident, Brown said.

The accuser, who has not been identified, went to St. Mary's Medical Center for treatment. He was visited by officers early Monday morning and the investigation is in its early stages, according to Brown.

Byrd's leave is "consistent with police department policy," Brown said. He will be on paid leave pending the outcome of the department's investigation.