Concord police officer accused of illegally obtaining pain pills

A Concord police officer has been placed on paid leave after being accused of taking pain medication from senior citizens.

KTVU-TV reported Thursday that Matthew Switzer is under investigation and could face drug related charges for allegedly illegally obtaining prescription drugs.

Helen Bolles, a resident of a Concord senior living facility, told the station that on several occasions Switzer asked to “borrow” her Norco pills, which are a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone.

Another resident of the facility made a similar claim.

Police officials would not comment on the probe, but said Switzer’s paid leave began in February.

A spokesperson for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office says the charges against Switzer are pending and may be filed any day.

Switzer is a member of the department’s K9 unit.