Santa Cruz police officer assaulted
The Santa Cruz Police Department reports that a police officer was injured during an altercation with a suspect on Wednesday afternoon at at 1:40pm.
Police say the incident occurred near Pacific Avenue and Center Street where the suspect tried to gouge the eye of the officer during the confrontation. The officer was treated at Dominican Hospital and has been released, but will continue to follow up with a doctor to assess the degree of damage.
According to Santa Cruz Police, the suspect has been identified as Robert Craig, who is a 33-year-old transient.
According to investigators, it all started when the police officer observed the suspect trying to pull a motorcyclist from his motorcycle while he was driving through an intersection.
Investigators say the officer talked to the suspect about his actions and the suspect became agitated and confrontational. Police say the suspect was non-compliant and attacked the officer with a “bear hug” before trying to gouge the officer’s eye.
According to police, the officer broke free of the suspect and deployed his Taser, which was ineffective.
Investigators report that the suspect then ran south on Pacific Avenue toward Beach Street where other police officers intercepted him. Police say the suspect continued to exhibit agitated and non-compliant behavior, at which time police used a Taser and then took the suspect into custody.
According to authorities Robert Craig has one previous arrest. Authorities say there is also a warrant out for Craig’s arrest for not appearing for his last offense.
Police say Craig was taken to Dominican Hospital so his minor injuries could be treated. He was later booked at the Santa Cruz County Jail for felony battery of a police officer, resisting arrest, attempt mayhem and threats on a police officer, according to the Santa Cruz Police.
