Homeless Man Attacks Berkeley Police Officer, Inflicts Concussion

BERKELEY, CA — A homeless man has been charged with misdemeanor battery on an emergency officer for allegedly punching and giving a concussion to a Berkeley police officer who was trying to help him, authorities said.

The officer went to the corner of Allston Way and Shattuck Avenue at about 5:20 p.m. last Wednesday to check on the welfare of 33-year-old Zhong Xin Yang, who reportedly was passed out and unresponsive, police
spokesman Officer Byron White said.

The officer, who's a trained medic and Crisis Intervention Team member, started a conversation with Yang, who's also known as Dong Yang, and the Berkeley Fire Department arrived to perform a medical evaluation on him as well, according to White.

But when the officer tried to keep Yang there for medical personnel to treat him, he turned around and punched her in the face, White said.

The officer got on her radio and called for emergency "Code 3 cover" for other officers to assist her but Yang continued his attack and tackled her on the ground, according to White.

Arriving firefighters who saw Yang attacking the officer quickly jumped in to help her restrain Yang until additional officers could arrive, White said.

Yang was arrested on suspicion of felony assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

But the Alameda County District Attorney's Office only charged Yang with misdemeanor battery on an emergency officer.

The officer was treated at a local hospital for cuts, bruises and a concussion and was then released, White said. Yang is being held at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin in lieu of $5,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court on Thursday to enter a plea.

— Bay City News; Image via Shutterstock