Father and son plead not guilty in attack on H.B. officer

A man and his 23-year-old son were charged Tuesday in connection with an assault on a police officer who had stopped the younger man on his bicycle in Huntington Beach last week.

Bryce Headrick, 23, and Darryl Headrick, 58, both of Huntington Beach, have each been charged with one felony count of aggravated assault on a peace officer and a misdemeanor count of resisting and obstructing another officer, with a sentencing enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury.

Bryce Headrick pleaded not guilty in Orange County Superior Court at his arraignment Tuesday morning. Darryl Headrick also pleaded not guilty Tuesday afternoon.

Both men face a maximum of eight years in prison if convicted.

Authorities allege the incident occurred when the officer, who was not identified, stopped Bryce Headrick for a traffic violation at 11:20 p.m. Feb. 10 near Beach Boulevard and Clay Avenue. While he was talking to the younger man, Darryl Headrick hit the officer in the head from behind, according to police.

Police allege the father and son then began punching and kicking the officer near the head and body. 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.

A woman who was accompanying the officer as a ride-along began screaming at the two men to stop. The men then got on their bikes and rode away, according to reports.

Darryl Headrick was arrested in the area shortly after the incident. His son was arrested several hours later near his home.

The officer was treated at UCI Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries, including a concussion.

Court records indicate that a Darryl Headrick with the same birth date faced charges of felony battery with serious bodily injury, as well as misdemeanor charges for resisting a police officer, attempting to vandalize, possession of a controlled substance and intimidation in June 2015. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to court records.

A Bryce Headrick with the same birth date pleaded guilty in November 2015 to misdemeanor charges including resisting a police executive and peace officer, battery on a police officer, possession of a controlled substance and carrying a switchblade. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail, according to court records.

Prosecutors are recommending that the two men be held on $100,000 bail each, according to court documents.