BOSTON (AP) – A city police officer was suspended Monday while police and prosecutors investigate a woman’s claim that he sexually assaulted her after she passed out in his unmarked police car.

An attorney for officer Clifton McHale, who works in the department’s drug unit, said he vehemently denies any wrongdoing.

The woman told police that on July 17, McHale offered her a ride home from the Purple Shamrock, a bar near Faneuil Hall in downtown Boston where he was working a paid detail. She said she passed out and when she woke up, McHale was assaulting her.

Michael McCarthy, a spokesman for the Police Department, said Commissioner Kathleen O’Toole would have no comment on the woman’s claim while the matter is being investigated by the department’s internal affairs unit and the Suffolk district attorney’s office.

Thomas Drechsler, McHale’s attorney, said McHale has a spotless record during his eight years on the police force.

“He’s an outstanding officer, well-respected and liked by his colleagues,” Drechsler said.

“My client absolutely adamantly denies having done anything wrong here,” he said. “They can investigate, but I’m confident that he’s going to be exonerated at some point in this process. He’s absolutely innocent.”

McCarthy said McHale, 32, was placed on paid administrative leave Monday as the two investigations are conducted. No charges have been filed.

McHale played hockey for Boston College from 1992 through 1996.

David Procopio, a spokesman for Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley, would not comment.

“It is generally our policy to neither confirm nor deny the existence of an ongoing investigation unless and until charges are filed. The officer is not presently facing any charges,” Procopio said.