Two arrested for attacking off-duty BRPD officer

BATON ROUGE, LA (NBC33) — Two men have been arrested for allegedly attacking an off-duty Baton Rouge Police officer so badly that he had to be hospitalized.

The incident happened on Sunday, Aug. 19 shortly before 3:00 a.m. We’re told the off-duty officer was at the gate of the Highland Village Condominiums, located on East Boyd Drive near Tigerland, when a group males approached a group of females who were in the vehicle directly ahead of his.

“They were attempting to gain entry into the gated apartment complex,” Cpl. L’Jean McKneely, Baton Rouge Police Department, explained. “They began to argue with the young ladies and the officer got out of his vehicle and approached them.”

The officer says he identified himself as a police officer to the group of males. However, an argument ensued and the group of males became violent.

“His leg was broken, he had some facial injuries as well as scratches and bruises,” Cpl. McKneely noted. “He was in the hospital and had surgery on his leg. He had to take time off of work to recover.”

Approximately 5-7 males were in the group. Anthony and Joshua Tamburello of LaPlace were identified as being among the attackers. They were arrested and both charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Police Officer.

Anthony Tamburello was additionally charged with Interfering with a Law Enforcement Investigation.

Joshua Tamburello was additionally charged with Rioting.

Officials say the investigation is ongoing at this time.