Man Lures Officer Out of Cruiser, Attacks Him

A Sacramento police officer was assaulted by a suspect after he was lured out of his patrol car on Monday.

Juan Gomez approached an officer as he sat in his cruiser around 12:33 a.m. in the 6600 block of Bruceville Road, according to a department news release.

When the officer stepped out of his car, officials said the 21-year-old immediately and violently assaulted him, striking him in the face and knocking him to the ground.

Gomez then allegedly jumped on top of the officer and continued to strike him in the face repeatedly.

The officer was eventually able to radio for help and was finally assisted by security officers who were working in the area.

Officials said that during the struggle, Gomez made repeated attempts to remove the officer's firearm from his holster.

The officer was transported to a local hospital where he received treatment for significant facial injuries and released. The officer will be recovering at home and unable to work until further medical evaluations are conducted.

"This attack not only put the officer's life in jeopardy but endangered the community as well," the statement from the Sacramento Police Department reads. "The officer showed tremendous courage and restraint in surviving this dangerous situation."

Gomez was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on multiple charges including resisting arrest, assault and battery on a peace officer.