PHOENIX — A Phoenix police officer is recovering after being assaulted by a domestic violence suspect, authorities said.
The Phoenix Police Department said Sunday, around 9:30 p.m., the officer was flagged down near Central Avenue and Thomas Road by a woman who needed help.
Police said the woman told the officer she had been assaulted by the father of her children, 24-year-old Rudy Gomez. As the officer was talking with the woman, police said Gomez approached the officer in a highly agitated manner.
Authorities said Gomez assaulted the officer, who ended up on the ground with Gomez punching him multiple times in the face and kicking him while he was down.
Gomez left the scene but was taken into custody by other officers responding to the call.
Phoenix police said the officer was transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. He was released Wednesday and is recovering from home.
Following the attack, Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan released this statement:
On Sunday night a Phoenix police patrol officer was violently assaulted by a domestic violence suspect and sustained significant facial injuries requiring hospitalization and surgery.
This is yet another example of the continued attacks on officers. Responding officers quickly and professionally took the suspect into custody and booked him for aggravated assault on our officer and related domestic violence offenses.
Our officer remains hospitalized and is receiving the best care possible. We are grateful for the sacrifice he and his family have made to serve the public.
I have spoken with County Attorney Rachel Mitchell who assured me this case will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
The Phoenix Police Department demands our officers perform to a high standard. We also demand that when we perform to that standard, and are brutally assaulted, criminal suspects are held accountable for their actions.
We appreciate the public outpouring of support for our injured officer and our sworn and professional staff working day in and day out to keep our city safe.
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