A Brentwood police officer is recovering after being knocked unconscious during a struggle with an allegedly drunk driver early Sunday.
According to police, 21-year-old Brentwood resident Jason Kruenegal was stopped about 2 a.m. in a parking lot on Walnut Boulevard near Oak Street. As he was questioned about whether he had been drinking, Kruenegal allegedly ran away. Police chased him, catching up with him in a nearby alley, where a struggle ensued.
Lt. Tom Hansen said an officer involved in the struggle sustained a head injury and was knocked unconscious. When the officer did not respond to his radio, a request for assistance from neighboring agencies was broadcast.
Officers from Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Rio Vista and California Highway Patrol responded to the area. After an extensive search, Kruenegal was taken into custody. A passenger who was in the car when the stop occurred was not arrested.
Hansen said initial reports that the officer had been shot were inaccurate, and that no shots had been fired during the incident. The officer was treated and released from the hospital and is expected to fully recover.
Kruenegal, who was jailed in lieu of $155,000 bail, is facing charges of assault on a peace officer, DUI and possible possession of steroids.
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