MARTINEZ, Calif. » A Walnut Creek police officer has pleaded no contest to charges that he beat a woman with a baseball bat when he was off duty.

The Contra Costa Times reports 53-year-old Gregory Thompson pleaded no contest Monday to felony assault and vandalism, plus a firearm enhancement.

Prosecutor Barry Grove said his office will recommend that Thompson serves one year in county jail.

Grove said Thompson wore a ski mask and gloves when he beat a woman he believed was trying to break into his father’s vacant house. The woman told police she ran out of gas and was walking to get help when she came under attack.

Thompson, a 30-year veteran of the Walnut Creek Police Department, has been placed on paid administrative leave.