SPPD Sgt. injured in struggle outside East Main Street restaurant
March 20, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
A Santa Paula Police Sergeant had to be transported to the hospital after he was injured in the aftermath of a fight that broke out between two St. Patrick’s Day celebrants at a local pub.
According to Police Chief Steve McLean the incident occurred Tuesday, March 17 at Garman’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, in the 900 block of East Main Street.
At about 9 p.m. SPPD Sgt. Jimmy Fogata and a second officer “Did a walk through at Garman’s just to check it out,” and McLean said, “As they walked out they saw to guys get involved in a fight … ”
The two officers walked back into the crowded restaurant “To quell the struggle,” between the two men who were taken outside to the sidewalk in front of the pub.
Once outside as officers tried to restrain the two men, “There was pushing and shoving, one of the men being held by an officer was still trying to fight.”
During the struggle McLean said Fogata was knocked down and “hit his head on the tree,” and lost consciousness.
Other Santa Paula Police responded to the scene, as did Santa Paula Fire EMTs and an ambulance.
McLean said Ventura County Sheriff’s also responded, as “Any time law enforcement hears there’s an ‘officer down’ they will respond on mutual aid just to make sure,” that there is extra help if needed.
And, “We have a really good rapport with other law enforcement in Ventura County.”
EMTs and ambulance personnel treated Fogata on scene before he was transported by ambulance to Community Memorial Hospital.
Several other patrons of the pub received minor injuries due to their proximity of the two men involved in the fight but none required medical assistance.
McLean said one man was arrested following the incident.
He expects Fogata, who was treated and released from the hospital but requires further testing, could be off duty for several weeks.
The incident, noted McLean was unfortunate, but, “That’s what happens when people drink too much … we’ve never had serious problems at that establishment, but sometimes it just happens.”
