Two off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officers have been arrested for allegedly pistol-whipping a man during a fight in Whittier, authorities said this morning. <\/p>\n
One of the officers apparently got into an argument with his girlfriend about 8 p.m. Tuesday outside a Panera Bread restaurant in the 15600 block of Whittwood Lane, the Whittier Police Department said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\nWitnesses told police the officer took issue with a bystander, who was watching the altercation while talking on his cellphone, and struck the man in the face. A fight ensued, during which one of the officers allegedly pulled out a handgun and began hitting the victim in the head, the statement said. <\/p>\n
The victim was able to break free, but both off-duty officers chased after him and tackled him to the ground, where the assault continued, the statement said. The victim eventually escaped by running into a nearby Target store.<\/p>\n
\nThe victim was treated at the scene and taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
\nThe two officers were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. They have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, LAPD officials said.<\/p>\n
The Whittier Police Department has identified the arrested officers as Brandon Valdez, 29, and Patrick Fitzgerald, 38. <\/p>\n
[Updated, 4:03 pm:<\/strong> The officers were each released this morning on $30,000 bail.]<\/strong><\/p>\n \n— Alexandra Zavis and Andrew Blankstein <\/p>\n More breaking news in L.A. Now:<\/strong><\/p>\n 13 California hospitals fined for medical errors<\/a><\/p>\n Supporters turn out for Santa Clarita councilman who called himself ‘proud racist’<\/a> <\/p>\n 2 water main breaks in L.A. flood homes, apartment building<\/a><\/p>\n Marine, Navy corpsman from Camp Pendleton killed in Afghanistan<\/a><\/p>\n Covina father arrested in fatal stabbing of 2-year-old son<\/a><\/p>\n