PHOENIX — The man who "viciously beat" a Phoenix police officer who came to the aid of a domestic violence victim has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
Rudy Gomez, 31, pleaded guilty to three counts of class 3 felony aggravated felony assault in what the county attorney's office described as "a horrific attack" on the officer that happened in 2023.
“It is hard to come up with words that adequately describe the savage, cruel beating of this officer, and the sheer inhumanity of the attack,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.
In April 2023, Gomez's girlfriend flagged down the officer for help near Central Avenue and Thomas Road.
"She had been involved in a domestic violence dispute with Gomez who had already shattered her vehicle’s window while their three children were inside," the county attorney's office said.
While trying to help the woman and her children the officer was attacked.
The county attorney's office said he was so "viscously" beaten that he was left unconscious.
"Gomez continued to punch and kick the officer, inflicting serious injuries, including a fractured orbital socket, head lacerations, and a broken nasal bone," according to the county attorney's office.
After the attack, Gomez ran away from the scene but was later arrested.
Of Gomez's prison sentence, Mitchell said the following: “We must support the people who protect us. One way we do that is to put defendants like this one in prison for as long as the law will allow.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please call or text the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit www.thehotline.org.
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