By Police1 Staff
HAWTHORNE, Calif. — Cell phone video captured a suspect’s attack on two police officers that resulted in both being hospitalized.
According to ABC 7, police were called to the scene in front of a restaurant Monday after a panhandler became aggressive toward those who declined to give him money.
As the officers asked the suspect to leave the area, the man assumed a fighting stance and began attacking the officers.
“He struck officers in the face a few times,” Hawthorne police Lt. Jim Royer told the Daily Breeze. “He has an extensive rap sheet for disorderly conduct.”
The suspect, 29-year-old Thomas Christopher Brown, appears to knock one officer to the ground after throwing a punch.
According to a press release from the Hawthorne Police Department, Brown was TASERed, but his clothing prevented the prongs from connecting.
Brown was eventually taken into custody and charged with assault on a peace officer and obstructing/resisting an officer.
Both officers were treated for their injuries and released from a hospital.