An on-duty police officer was struck in the head from behind with a bottle on Monday in Kingsbridge, according to officials.
The attack happened on West 231st Street just before 2 p.m. on Monday. Two officers were standing on the busy sidewalk, when one became the victim of an unexpected attack.
Video shows the entire incident unfold. A man in a grey sweatshirt walks behind the female officer, striking her in the back of the head with a bottle before going after the male officer.
That man was arrested and has been identified as 45-year-old Bronx native Jose Garcia. He faces charges including assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
The officers were reportedly inspecting a smoke shop in the area when the attack took place. People who live in the area say they are shocked by what took place.
"Very disrespectful to the police department, they shouldn't be doing that anywhere, anywhere in this neighborhood,” said one resident. “I’ve been here since the early 70s, it's changed. [They’re] here to help us and they get disrespect… I don't think that's right.”
The officer who was struck by the bottle was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital where she was treated for her injuries and has been released.