7-year term handed down in attack on H.B. police officer
A 23-year-old Huntington Beach man was sentenced in Orange County Superior Court on Friday to seven years in prison for attacking a police officer and beating him unconscious as he lay on the ground.
Bryce Headrick had pleaded guilty March 17 to one felony count of aggravated assault on a peace officer, one misdemeanor count of resisting and obstructing another officer, and a sentencing enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury.
According to prosecutors, Headrick and his father, Darryl Headrick, 58, beat up the Huntington Beach police officer Feb. 10 during a traffic stop in the city.
Bryce Headrick was riding a bicycle when the officer pulled him over at 11:20 p.m. that day near Beach Boulevard and Clay Avenue, according to authorities.
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During the stop, Darryl Headrick, who is also from Huntington Beach, hit the officer in the head from behind, according to police.
Police allege the father and son then began punching and kicking the man.
The officer — a 17-year veteran of the force — lost consciousness at some point during the incident but was able to call for backup, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office.
In court Friday, the officer said the crime has been especially hard on his daughter, who witnessed the beating. She was with him for a ride-along that night, according to the district attorney’s office.
Police arrested Darryl Headrick shortly after the attack not far from the crime scene. Police arrested his son several hours later near his home.
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The officer was treated at UCI Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries, including a concussion.
Darryl Headrick has pleaded not guilty to one felony count of aggravated assault on a peace officer, one misdemeanor count of resisting and obstructing another officer, and a sentencing enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury.
He’s due back in court in June and could face up to eight years in prison and one year in jail if convicted.
Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck
Times Community News staff writers Brittany Woolsey and Hannah Fry contributed to this report.
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