Man convicted for 2023 attack of San Francisco police officer

(KRON) –  A man who punched a police officer in the face two years ago was convicted on Friday, said the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.

In August of 2023, John Bissell, 31, confronted a San Francisco Police Department officer who was working at the United Nations Plaza. Prosecutors said, “Bissell told the officer that he had thirty seconds to leave and began counting down with his fists raised. While counting, Mr. Bissell abruptly punched the officer in the face and tackled him to the ground.” 

During the almost two-minute physical altercation, prosecutors said Bissell tried to take the officer’s firearm. Additional officers responded, and Bissell continued to fight and resist, according to the DA. 

The attack led to the officer sustaining a head injury, per prosecutors. The officer received treatment from the San Francisco General Hospital. 

Bissell was convicted of battery on an officer, threatening an executive officer and resisting, obstructing or delaying an officer. 

The Assistant District Attorney Samantha Zurcher, who prosecuted this case, said, “This conviction shows that the people of San Francisco will not tolerate unprovoked violence against anyone in our city, including our police officers, who work around the clock to keep our streets safe.”