Long Beach man accused of attacking local police officers

A Long Beach man was booked into Costa Mesa Jail on Saturday afternoon on suspicion of battery on a peace officer, being under the influence of a controlled substance and prowling.

Scott Geoffrey James Balbirnie allegedly broke a sliding glass door to get into a home in the 500 block of West Wilson Street around 6 a.m. Saturday, but when police arrived, Balbirnie had reportedly jumped the backyard fence, Lt. Dale Birney said.

Police allegedly found Balbirnie hiding in a tree in the backyard of a house in the 2200 block of Miner Street. They tried to coax him down, but he reportedly moved from the tree to the roof of a gazebo in the backyard, Birney said.

Balbirnie then jumped to the ground and allegedly attacked two police officers, Birney said. A fight ensued, and police overpowered Balbirnie and arrested him, Birney said.

As is standard protocol if police are engaged in a fight, police took Balbirnie to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian to check him for injuries. He also appeared to be under the influence, police said.

Balbirnie was being held in Costa Mesa Jail on $50,000 bail Saturday afternoon.

Police are investigating the incident, Birney said.

— Amanda Pennington