American arrested for assault and injury to a police officer in the city center

Early Saturday morning, Westphalian police arrested a 23-year-old American in Kaiserslautern’s old town after a physical altercation in front of a shisha bar. (Frankenthal Police)

A 23-year-old American was arrested early Saturday morning in the old town of Kaiserslautern after an altercation in front of a shisha bar, the West Palatinate police said on Sunday.

The incident began when the man and another guest collided, which police said led to an argument and physical altercation that was believed to have been sparked by alcohol.

Despite initial attempts by a police patrol to separate the two men, the American continued to behave aggressively, whereupon the officers handcuffed him, the officers’ statement said. During the arrest, he kicked a police officer in the leg, slightly injuring the man.

The suspect was taken to the local police station, where a doctor took a blood sample to determine his alcohol content. Police did not immediately release the blood alcohol result. He was then handed over to U.S. military police for further testing.

The American now faces bodily harm and assault on police officers. Military officials did not immediately respond to a request from Stars and Stripes on Sunday to confirm his military affiliation.