A man was arrested for allegedly throwing a hammer at a Chula Vista Police Department patrol car stopped at a traffic light, shattering a window and leaving an officer with minor injuries.

The incident occurred on Aug. 28 around 3 p.m. at the intersection of Brisbane Street and North Fourth Avenue, according to Sgt. Anthony Molina. Two officers were inside the marked cruiser when, according to the report, 29-year-old Luis Ángel Ortiz rode up on a bicycle and hurled the tool at the vehicle before fleeing.

 

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The officers initially believed shots were being fired at them but later realized that a hammer had crashed through the window.

With information provided by two Caltrans workers who witnessed the attack, officers located and arrested Ortiz nearby a short time later. The officer in the passenger seat was treated at the scene for superficial cuts caused by flying glass.

 

Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy described the incident as a violent act that “could have had tragic consequences.” She added: “Our officers put their lives on the line every day to protect this community, and assaults like this are a direct attack on public safety. We will not tolerate violence against law enforcement officers.”

Ortiz was booked into San Diego Central Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer. His bail was set at $50,000, with an arraignment scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

 

 

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