See the L.A. police union chief's reaction, added at the bottom.

An LAPD detective with 25 years on the force was arrested after he allegedly took money from a drug suspect, the department just announced.

Ramon Alvarez was collared on suspicion of grand theft today and placed on administrative leave while the LAPD continues to investigate.

Looks like a partner turned him in.

Here's what the department says happened:

LAPD's Internal Affairs Criminal Investigation Division arrested Alvarez at a suspected narcotics location in Los Angeles. During the service of an arrest warrant, a fellow detective believed that Alvarez had possibly removed a quantity of money from the location. The detective immediately notified his supervisor of the possible criminal misconduct. Alvarez' vehicle was searched, and a quantity of money believed to be the property of the narcotics suspect was recovered from the vehicle.

Wow. Chief Charlie Beck seemed rocked. He gave the press this:

I am extremely disturbed and shocked by the arrest, but heartened by the actions of the detective who immediately reported what appeared to be criminal behavior.

According to the sheriff's inmate information database Alvarez is 48. The Gang and Narcotics Division detective being held in lieu of $20,000 bail. He has a court date on Feb. 24.

Is it just us, or does there seem to be a series of alleged bad apples turning up in the LAPD lately? On the one hand you might worry. On the other you might say that bad cops are getting caught because of Beck's internal enforcement efforts.

Either way, bad news for the boys and girls in blue.

–

[Added]: Here are some Weekly headlines regarding questionable cop behavior from recent years and months:

LAPD Officer Arrested After Allegedly Selling $4,200 Worth Of Meth To Federal Informant

Lucien Daigle, LAPD Sergeant, Arrested For Alleged San Bernardino County Burglary Gone-Sideways

Devin Petelski's Death in Crash With LAPD Prompted $5 Million City Settlement: Cops Appeared to Lie

And, from the Los Angeles Times:

LAPD officer arrested in alleged scheme to torch car, collect insurance; second officer accused of cover-up

2 LAPD Metro Division officers arrested in off-duty assault

–

[Added at 6:18 p.m.]: Tyler Izen, president of the union representing Los Angeles police, just issued this statement:

The arrest of an LAPD Officer and a classmate is shocking and very disappointing. We expect law enforcement officers to hold themselves to the highest moral standards in their professional and personal lives, making the news doubly upsetting. While the arrest is disturbing, it is important to remind the public that everyone, including police officers, retain the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. The alleged actions of one person should not reflect negatively on the 9,900 LAPD officers who work each day to keep the Los Angeles safe.

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.