South San Francisco

South San Francisco Officer Hit in the Head by Skateboard, Suffers ‘Major Head Injury'

A South San Francisco police officer is in critical condition after being hit in the head by a suspect's skateboard, police said.

The violent attack started around 2:20 p.m. Thursday near the 300 block of Grand Avenue when the officer attempted to approach a suspect reportedly disturbing the peace at a local business, police said. The suspect did not yield to the officer's commands, prompting the officer to call for backup.

When a second officer arrived, the suspect took off from the scene on foot, according to police. During a subsequent chase, the suspect immediately came to a screeching halt, pivoted and smacked the officer in the head with the skateboard.

The injured officer, who is not being identified at this time, was transported to a local hospital with a "major head injury" and taken into surgery, police said.

The second officer on scene was able to detain the suspect after another brief foot pursuit.

South San Francisco Mayor Mark Addiego issued a statement of sadness after hearing the news.

"This is so disheartening to hear of this incident, in a city such as South San Francisco," he said in a press release. "We are a tight-knit community, with a police force that is our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with this officer and his family."

Officials are currently investigating the attack. Anyone with information is asked to contact the South San Francisco Police Department at (650) 877-8900 or the anonymous tip line at (650) 952-2244.

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