Father-son duo plead not guilty to beating Huntington Beach officer

SANTA ANA (KABC) -- A father and son accused of beating a Huntington Beach police officer to unconsciousness pleaded not guilty to assault on Tuesday.

Darryl Headrick, 58, and his son Bryce Headrick, 23, are accused of attacking an officer who had stopped Bryce on his bicycle in Huntington Beach for an alcohol-related offense last week.

As the officer spoke to the younger man, Darryl Headrick allegedly snuck up and hit the officer in the head, then both men piled on, knocking him unconscious and giving him a concussion, according to investigators.

It was only when a woman on a ridealong with the officer began screaming at them that they fled the scene. Officers located and arrested the two later that same day.

The officer, a 17-year police veteran, was treated for his injuries and continues to recover at home.

The Headricks, both residents of Huntington Beach, entered not guilty pleas to the charge of aggravated assault of a peace officer with great bodily injury and they are being held on bail of $50,000 each.

If convicted, they face a maximum of eight years in state prison.

Their next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 24.