Man Involved in Altercation Faces Charges

A man whose actions reportedly touched off an altercation between police and picnickers in Brookside Park last month will be charged with three misdemeanors, including assault on a police officer, the city prosecutor’s office said Wednesday.

James Gordon McCullough allegedly attacked an officer who was questioning him about being dressed in women’s clothes near a picnic for foster children on Aug. 17. The incident prompted an angry confrontation between police and other members of McCullough’s family, authorities said.

Also arrested was Michael Harrison, a relative of McCullough who also allegedly attacked an officer.

Action on the arrests was delayed while police conducted an internal affairs investigation on charges of misconduct and racial name-calling in connection with the incident. The results of that investigation are being reviewed by Police Chief Jerry Oliver, a police spokesman said.

McCullough, who is charged with assault and battery on a police officer and obstructing police officers in the performance of their duty, is scheduled to be arraigned in Municipal Court on Oct. 8.

Charges against Harrison are being considered by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.