WARREN — City police officer Michael Edwards Jr. has been charged with rape and aggravated burglary, as confirmed by Warren Mayor Doug Franklin and police chief Eric Merkel during a press conference held this afternoon.

Police Chief Eric Merkel said they were contacted on Jan. 20 by a female victim from Warren that reported an “inappropriate relationship” with Edwards, 43, while he was on duty.

Two days later, Merkel said their department contacted BCI who then began an investigation into the criminal complaint.

The officer was supposed to come at 1 p.m. today for an interview for a “parallel administrative investigation,” when BCI came in the department to arrest him on two counts of rape and two counts aggravated burglary with firearm specifications, the chief said.

Merkel said the department intends on terminating the officer today as Edwards is now at the Trumbull County jail.

Read more in Tuesday’s Tribune Chronicle.