Officer Attacked in Parking Lot
A San Diego police officer was assaulted Saturday afternoon while questioning a man suspected of burglarizing several cars in a parking lot, police said.
Officer Chris Smith was dispatched to the USA Federal Credit Union parking lot in the 9800 block of Erma Road about 12:13 p.m. to investigate reports of a man tampering with cars in the lot.
Smith began to question Thomas Hendrix Martin, 32, of San Diego and asked Martin for identification, police said. Martin went toward his car to get his identification, and, as Smith followed him, struck Smith several times in the face and head with a padlock, according to police.
Other officers arrived and subdued Martin, who was taken to County Jail on suspicion of burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest, police said.
Police said they believe Martin was under the influence of the drug PCP.
Smith was taken to Scripps Hospital, where he was treated for multiple cuts and scrapes.
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