Man Arrested for Hammer Attack on Chula Vista Police Cruiser
UPDATE: A man is in custody following a shocking attack on a Chula Vista police cruiser that left an officer with minor injuries. The incident unfolded around 3 p.m. on July 13, 2023, at the intersection of Brisbane Street and North Fourth Avenue when the suspect hurled a hammer at the patrol vehicle, shattering a window.
Officials confirm that two officers were inside the police car, stopped at a red light, when a man on a bicycle approached and launched the hammer. The loud crash initially prompted the officers to believe they were under fire. However, surveillance footage from a nearby business revealed the suspect dismounting his bike and throwing the hammer before fleeing the scene.
Sgt. Anthony Molina reported that two Caltrans workers witnessed the incident and provided crucial information to investigators. Officers quickly located and arrested Luis Angel Ortiz, 29, nearby, booking him into San Diego Central Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer. He is currently held on $50,000 bail.
The officer in the passenger seat suffered superficial cuts from the shattered glass and was treated at the scene. Chula Vista Police Department Chief Roxana Kennedy stated that the incident “could have had tragic consequences.” She emphasized, “We will not tolerate violence against law enforcement officers, and we are grateful that our officers were not seriously injured.”
An arraignment for Ortiz is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. This alarming incident raises concerns about the safety of law enforcement and the potential escalation of violence in the community.
As investigations continue, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
