Officer seriously injured after hit in head with skateboard during South San Francisco attack

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Police say an officer was seriously injured when he was attacked by a person with a skateboard in South San Francisco.

An ambulance rushed the officer to San Francisco General Hospital. Police say he was hit in the middle of the street, by the suspect.

The incident started at around 2:30 p.m. The suspect was outside of the Starbucks on Grand Avenue acting erratically and bothering people.

The officer who was hurt happened to be in the area writing a traffic ticket. He stopped to talk with the suspect. That's also when back up arrived. Then the suspect bolted.

"He took off running after they tried to detain him, they tried to apprehend him when he turned around and hit him in the head with the skateboard. His injuries are unknown at this time," said Cpl. Jason Pfarr of the South San Francisco Police Department.

The officer fell to the ground and was bleeding from the head, but he was conscious the whole time. Other officers were able to catch the suspect on Linden Avenue.

Police would not identify the suspect, or the injured officer, but said the officer has been with the department for more than 10 years.

The officer sustained a major head injury. He underwent surgery surgery and is in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing.

South San Francisco mayor Mark Addiego said he was upset by the news. "This is so disheartening to hear of this incident, in a city such as South San Francisco. 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."

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact the South San Francisco Police Department.