The Sacramento Police Department says one man has been arrested for attacking a police officer Monday morning on Bruceville Road. A second man has also been arrested for encouraging the attack as he videotaped it.
Sacramento Police say Juan Gomez walked up to the officer's patrol car at about midnight and reported a person in the area with a gun.
Sergeant Doug Morse says when the officer got out of his car to investigate, Gomez attacked.
"Moments after that officer stepped out of the car, that individual struck the officer in the face," Morse says. "The officer fell to the ground and the assault continued when the suspect actually jumped onto the officer as he was on the ground and continued to strike him in the face."
Two security guards in the area rushed to help the officer as the man made several attempts to unholster the officer's gun.
"It was definitely a courageous act of those security guards because it's my understanding they rushed to his aid and that was undoubtedly a tipping point in the fight where the officer was able to regain some control," says Morse.
Morse says he can't remember the last time an officer was the victim of an attack with no warning.
Gomez was arrested and has been charged with assaulting a peace officer, battery on a peace officer, and resisting arrest.
No motive has been given for the attack.
Jamaral Lee, 35, was arrested for advocating injury to a police officer and for assault and battery of a police officer.
The officer is a two-year veteran of the department and has "significant facial injuries" according to Morse, but is expected to return to work soon.
CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you. As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.
