A Modesto police officer has been arrested following a domestic violence investigation involving an off-duty incident that occurred in Tuolumne County, authorities said.

The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office said it opened an independent criminal investigation after being notified on Saturday by the Modesto Police Department of allegations involving one of its officers.

Authorities said the investigation stems from an off-duty domestic violence incident that occurred in Tuolumne County in March 2026.

As a result of the investigation, investigators arrested Solomon Foketi, a four-year veteran of the Modesto Police Department, on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, false imprisonment and misdemeanor domestic violence.

He was booked into the Tuolumne County Jail.

Modesto Police Department Puts Foketi on Paid Leave

The Modesto Police Department said it confirmed the alleged incident fell under Tuolumne County jurisdiction and referred the matter to the sheriff’s office, which launched its own investigation.

Foketi has been placed on paid administrative leave while both the criminal case and an internal administrative review continue, according to Modesto police.

Officials said the leave is standard protocol during ongoing investigations.

Modesto Police Chief Brandon Gillespie said allegations of criminal conduct involving department members are taken seriously and will be reviewed through both the criminal justice process and internal procedures.

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