A transient was charged Wednesday with assault and battery for allegedly throwing an off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officer to the ground and stomping on his head outside a Hollywood store where the victim was working as a security guard.
Daniel Keith Kennedy, 27, could face up to seven years in state prison if convicted of one felony count each of battery with serious bodily injury and assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, along with an allegation that he personally inflicted great bodily injury, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
The off-duty officer recognized Kennedy as a suspected shoplifter and asked him to leave the store at Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street on Monday, according to prosecutors.
Kennedy allegedly threw the man to the ground and stomped on his head after being escorted outside. The victim, whose name was withheld, was taken to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries, according to the District Attorney's Office.
Kennedy was arrested nearby by police and has remained behind bars since then.
