An off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent has been charged with several felonies after allegedly assaulting a police officer while resisting arrest in Long Beach, California. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges against Isaiah Anthony Hodgson, 29, following an incident on July 7.
According to prosecutors, Hodgson was at a Shoreline Village restaurant when he entered the women’s restroom and approached a woman. The woman reported seeing Hodgson with a handgun and firearm magazine. After she informed the restaurant manager, Hodgson left the establishment.
In the parking lot, a security guard noticed Hodgson holding a firearm magazine and a gun on his waistband. Because firearms are not allowed on the property, the security guard asked him to leave multiple times.
Long Beach police responded to reports of an armed individual. Officers said Hodgson appeared intoxicated and did not comply with their commands during attempts to detain him. Prosecutors stated that as officers tried to arrest him, Hodgson resisted and became physical, resulting in minor injuries to one officer.
Alyssa Baeza, public information officer for Long Beach police, described the officer’s injuries as minor in comments reported by The Los Angeles Times.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman commented on the case: “The conduct exhibited by Mr. Hodgson, a border patrol agent who has the duty to uphold the law and protect its citizens, is unacceptable and deeply troubling,” Hochman said in the release. “No one is above the law, regardless of their position or badge.”
Hodgson faces three felony counts of resisting an executive officer; one felony count of battery with injury on a peace officer; one misdemeanor count each of exhibiting a concealable firearm in public, having a concealed firearm on person, and carrying a loaded firearm on one’s person.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson addressed the incident in a Facebook post: “As public servants, we are never off duty. How we conduct ourselves is a reflection of the agencies we serve,” Richardson wrote. “The behavior of this officer exemplifies a culture of complete disregard for the welfare of our community and undermines public trust.”
A spokesperson for Hodgson’s legal defense at the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office told The Los Angeles Times they could not immediately comment on his charging.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated via email that “the matter is under investigation.”
Hodgson was released from jail custody under conditions including not possessing any guns, remaining within state lines, and attending at least three alcohol counseling meetings per week. He is scheduled to appear in court July 17. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to seven years in prison.