Man arrested after scuffle outside brewery

Laguna Beach police arrested a Laguna Niguel man on suspicion of battery on an officer and two other charges after an altercation in front of Ocean Avenue Brewery in the early hours of New Year’s Day, police said.

John Takashi Yoshimoto, 40, was also charged with public intoxication and obstructing a police officer following an incident at 12:38 a.m. Jan. 1, Capt. Jason Kravetz wrote in an email.

Officers were on foot patrol in the 200 block of Ocean Avenue when they noticed activity in front of the brewery, Kravetz said.

Yoshimoto was arguing with a doorman and when an officer interceded, Yoshimoto grabbed hold of the officer’s coat and pulled him, according to Kravetz.

Yoshimoto struggled while being handcuffed and a few more officers assisted in taking him into custody.

None of the officers were injured, Kravetz said.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce