Newport Beach Officer Cited on Theft Count

A Newport Beach police captain has been taken off active duty pending results of an internal investigation into his arrest for shoplifting, authorities said Sunday.

Capt. Richard F. Hamilton was arrested on suspicion of petty theft Friday afternoon after he allegedly stole a pair of pants from the Price Club in Santa Ana, Santa Ana police and Newport Beach officials said. Hamilton was cited for the misdemeanor offense and released on his own recognizance, Santa Ana police said.