Officials say a Suffolk County police officer has been arrested and charged with menacing for an off-duty incident that occurred on Nov. 5.

Prosecutors say Gregory Hanrahan, 32, became involved in an altercation with three females on West Main Street in Patchogue. They say the group exchanged "rude words" on the sidewalk at 1:44 a.m., which prompted Hanrahan to pull his gun from his waistband and point it at the group.

Prosecutors say the women ran for help and then filed charges. 

Hanrahan, a two-year member of the department, was immediately suspended without pay and his handguns were seized.

The Suffolk County Police Department said in a statement that "these allegations are extremely disturbing and will never be tolerated."

A department internal investigation is also underway.

Hanrahan was charged with three counts of menacing in the second degree at his arraignment in Central Islip Tuesday. He was freed after posting $4,500 bail and is due back in court on Dec. 15.

Hanrahan's wife and attorney also refused to comment after the arraignment.