2 LAPD officers arrested in pistol-whipping of man during off-duty confrontation

2 off-duty LAPD officers held in pistol-whipping

WHITTIER, Calif. — Authorities say two off-duty Los Angeles police officers have been arrested after a man was pistol-whipped during a confrontation.

Whittier police say 29-year-old Brandon Valdez and 38-year-old Patrick Fitzgerald were booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon Tuesday night after the off-duty incident.

They were released Wednesday on $30,000 bail each. The LAPD says they are on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Whittier Lt. Carlos Solorza says the officers had been drinking and were outside a cafe when one began arguing with his girlfriend.

Whittier Officer Mike Dekowski says Valdez then turned on a bystander, punched him in the face and pistol-whipped him.

Dekowski says the 31-year-old man was treated for serious head injuries at a hospital. There’s no word on his condition.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WHITTIER, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say two off-duty Los Angeles police officers have been arrested after a man was pistol-whipped during a fight.

Whittier police say 29-year-old Brandon Valdez and 38-year-old Patrick Fitzgerald were booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after the off-duty incident.

They were released Wednesday on $30,000 bail each. The LAPD says they are on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Whittier Lt. Carlos Solorza says the officers had been drinking and were outside a cafe Tuesday when one began arguing with his girlfriend.

Solorza says the unnamed officer thought a 31-year-old bystander was paying too much attention to the squabble and pistol-whipped him. The man was treated for head injuries.