A Joliet police officer who allegedly punched a man sitting in a car with his ex-girlfriend, was placed on administrative leave, according to Cmdr. Al Roechner.

Officer Robert Mau Jr. was taken into custody shortly before 1 a.m. Monday on the 2900 block of Riordan drive. Mau, who has been a Joliet police officer since 2004, works in the central district. He was off duty at the time of the alleged incident, Roechner said.

Mau appeared Monday before Will County Judge Marzell Richardson, who is assigning a special prosecutor the case, said Roechner.

His next hearing is Oct. 24.