Judo champion female officer hit in head with stick as up to 80 people brawl on Penrith street
A judo champion police officer wrestled a man to the ground during a massive brawl in Penrith but was hit in the back of the head with a piece of wood.
Inspector Kylie Koenig was first to arrive at the scene of the street brawl at 10.30pm on Easter Sunday where up to 80 people were punching and kicking each other.
The brawl on Lethbridge Street had begun after a group of gatecrashers tried to enter a house party, but were rejected by the organisers.
Residents Alex Copper and Heath Sheridan told 7 News: "They just didn't give a crap, they just disrespected our house."
"I tried to intervene and I ended up getting hit in the head with a bottle of whatever and then sorta the fight escalated from there," Heath added.
Police from four stations, the riot squad and traffic patrol were called in to break up the brawl.
Inspector Koenig managed to wrestle a man to the ground but was hit from behind with a piece of wood. She was forced to use capsicum spray to stay safe.
Inspector Kai Penninkilampi said: "She could have waited in her car but she didn't, she's stepped out of her car, one person against 80 and she's taken action so her actions deserve to be commended and this was a gutless attack.
"She had to use capsicum spray to keep three others at bay until back up arrived."
She had a minor head injury, but was able to continue working.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with affray. He was granted conditional bail and is due to face Penrith Local Court next month.
Police have appealed for witnesses to the violence to come forward.
Anyone with information that may assist police has been asked to lodge a report with Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or online at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/
