Fort Bragg Sergeant Injured While Breaking Up Bar Fight

A Fort Bragg police sergeant was injured Friday night while responding to a fight at the Welcome Inn, according to the department.

Officers were dispatched to the downtown bar, where they encountered several people involved in a disturbance fueled by heavy drinking. Sgt. Jarod Frank attempted to detain one of the individuals, and the situation escalated into a scuffle, police said.

During the altercation, the individual’s girlfriend became involved, leading to another struggle with a second officer. In the melee, Sgt. Frank was thrown backward, striking his head on the rim of a car and suffering a cut to his head. He has since returned to duty.

The man Frank attempted to detain was subdued after an officer deployed a Taser. He was medically evaluated for minor injuries, including scratches to his elbows, before being booked into jail. Several people were arrested in connection with the fight.

Police Captain Tom O’Neal said the department plans to meet with City Hall and bar owners to discuss ways to prevent future alcohol-related disturbances.

“Our goal is to make sure downtown is a safe and economically viable place,” O’Neal said. “This was a drunk fight, the officers did their job, and unfortunately one of them was injured in the process.”

The names of those arrested are expected to be released once police complete their reports.