Officer Alert: Deputy Attacked During Traffic Stop by Uninvolved Man

Officers nationwide are taking note of an incident that occurred in Los Angeles earlier this week that may represent a growing threat to their safety.

Around 1 a.m. Thursday morning a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was making a traffic stop in the southern part of the county when he was attacked not by the driver but by an uninvolved third party.

Officers believe the man who reportedly attacked the officer came out of a nearby home. Official reports say he confronted the deputy, argued with him, threw a punch, and struck him in the face.

The suspect was arrested; the officer was not seriously injured.

Officers who have contacted PoliceMag.com say that this incident should remind all officers to be alert to ambush and unexpected attacks. As one officer said, “We need to keep our heads on a swivel out there.”