Fullerton Firefighter Arrested In Violence, Vandalism After US Open Of Surfing
FULLERTON (CBSLA.com) — City authorities confirmed Tuesday they are looking into the arrest of a Fullerton firefighter following violence and vandalism after the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach Sunday.
Michael John Lytle was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Department authorities said the 30-year-old Anaheim resident was placed on paid administrative leave Tuesday pending the results of a personnel investigation.
Fullerton Firefighter Among Those Arrested In Huntington Beach
"I'm shocked and appalled," Huntington Beach City Councilman Jim Katapodis told KNX 1070's Claudia Peschiutta. "From a background of public safety myself, I'm always shocked to find any public safety officer, whether a firefighter or police officer, involved in something like this."
Fullerton city officials have issued a statement saying Lytle was off-duty at the time of his arrest.
"A person is allowed their rights, their due process and the fire department will take action depending on what the outcome of the investigation is," said Fullerton Fire Chief Wolfgang Knabe.
There was no answer at the Anaheim home Lytle reportedly shares with his parents Tuesday evening.
Chief Knabe said told KCAL9's Stacey Butler even if pending charges are dropped, Lytle could still face disciplinary action for violating the Firefighters Code of Ethics.
Seven suspects were arrested in the incident, and police have said more arrests are imminent as they search for additional suspects caught on video.
