Off-duty cop is charged in threats

Prosecutors have charged a Los Angeles police officer with making criminal threats and brandishing a knife and handgun at patrons at a Redondo Beach Pier restaurant before allegedly driving away drunk.

David Woon Chong, 38, was arraigned Thursday at a downtown Los Angeles courthouse. He pleaded not guilty and was taken into custody. A 10-year veteran of the LAPD, Chong usually works in the department’s Southeast Division.

The off-duty officer was walking by Old Tony’s restaurant March 15 when there was an exchange of words with two patrons, prosecutors said.

Chong allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened one man, but an onlooker broke up the argument. Later, Chong allegedly returned and pointed a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol at one man’s head after kicking food out of his hand. The same witness interceded and Chong left.

Redondo Beach police arrested Chong after stopping his car. He is accused of having a 0.11% blood-alcohol level. The state limit for driving is 0.08%.