San Diego police arrested a man Friday in downtown San Diego after he allegedly trashed a pizza place – throwing chairs inside the restaurant – before assaulting a public transit security officer.
According to officials from the San Diego Police Department, the disturbance and subsequent assault happened just before 2 p.m. at a Papa John’s pizza restaurant at 10th Avenue and Broadway.
Police said that earlier in the day, trolley security officers with the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) reported a man harassing female passengers on the trolley. MTS officers found the man and followed him to Papa John’s.
The security officers called police when they saw the man allegedly throwing chairs and breaking tables inside the restaurant. MTS officers were able to get the man to come out of the restaurant, and managed to get him on the ground and handcuff him.
The suspect struggled with the MTS officers, allegedly assaulting at least one officer during the altercation. When police arrived at the scene, they took the man into custody.
SDPD Capt. Mark Jones said the man’s bizarre behavior and disturbance can likely be attributed to alcohol or drugs.
“Currently, we believe he’s suspected to be under the influence of something. We’re not sure yet what that is,” said Capt. Jones at the scene. “He also assaulted one of the MTS officers.”
During the incident, police said the suspect injured himself. He was treated by medics at the scene for unspecified injuries and then taken to a local hospital, Capt. Jones said.
Police said the suspect – whose name was not released – is expected to be charged for causing the disturbance, vandalizing property and assaulting the MTS officer.
Capt. Jones said the MTS officer sustained minor injuries and would be evaluated and treated at a hospital. The incident remains under investigation.
