Santa Cruz police officer injured in attack

A Santa Cruz police officer was injured after a transient carrying a rope with metal spikes charged at him, according to police.

It happened when the officer responded to reports of a noise disturbance on Chico Avenue. That’s where the officer located Jamie Smith in an empty field standing behind a tree. When the officer called at Smith to come out, police say Smith charged at the officer by running at him, swinging a braided rope with four eight-inch metal spikes tied to the ends. The officer was able to raise his arms to protect himself.

During the fight, police say the officer was able to take Smith to the ground and hold him until other officers arrived and assisted in placing Smith into custody. During the investigation, it was determined Smith had set up an illegal campsite in the field. The officer was treated and released from Dominican Hospital for injuries to his left arm and back.

Smith was booked into the county jail for battery on a police officer and resisting a police officer with force.