She was responding to a call about a man making racially motivated threats in Chinatown, only to be attacked by the man herself.
[Ads /]
Multiple witnesses jumped in to save her.
WATCH: Full surveillance video of man's attack on SFPD officer in Chinatown
EXCLUSIVE: Witness describes violent attack on Asian SFPD officer
One witness called 9-1-1 to report the man, identified by ABC7 News anchor Dion Lim as Geraldo Contreras.
He was allegedly making threats the day before, saying he "specializes in killing Asian people."
[Ads /]
Video shows the Asian female officer approach Contreras, tell him to turn around and put his hands on his head.
He obliged, but when the officer asked if he had any weapons in his possession, he turned around, shoved her and wrestled with her before pushing her to the ground. She was carrying a bean bag gun across her back, but was clearly unable to reach for it.
EXCLUSIVE: Thai woman brutally attacked on BART shares story, says 'feels like we're the target'
EXCLUSIVE: Thai woman brutally attacked on BART shares story
"He's a big guy, he was not letting go. He had a death grip on her. And he was not letting go," says Michael Waldorf, who had just finished eating dinner with his family at the R&G Lounge on Kearny Street.
"I saw it as an emergency. She needed our help and she needed it right away," he told ABC7 News.
Waldorf and several other bystanders quickly jumped into action, tackling, hitting and trying to pry Contreras off the officer, who appears to be about half the size of her assailant.
EXCLUSIVE: 71-year-old warns others after dragged by car in brutal Oakland attack
According to documents obtained by Lim, Contreras has a record of prior arrests, including aggravated assault, elder abuse and assaults on officers in other parts of California. It's unclear if he was ever convicted.
Upon learning this information, Waldorf appeared stern, saying, "He should not be let out. Some people are not safe for society and he clearly is not. I know this is just a snapshot of a person's life, but you have to look at someone's record and make a judgement."
Sources tell Lim the officer sustained a bloody nose and minor injuries.
Police say the suspect was arrested at the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and start the message with SFPD.
[Ads /]
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- Bay Area Asian Americans share powerful, painful memories of hate
- 83-year-old Asian man describes debilitating SF attack, warns people 'to be careful'
- 'Go back to China': Racist rant suspect ID'd as daughter of late NY senator
- Asian American victim considers moving out of state after brutal attack in SF
- EXCLUSIVE: 75-year-old Asian man warned about increase in attacks days before murder in Oakland
- Daniel Dae Kim, members of Congress to testify on discrimination, violence against Asian Americans
- Asian grandma knocked unconscious in unprovoked attack in NY
- Family outraged over SF DA's description of 84-year-old Asian man's suspected killer
- Nearly 3,800 anti-Asian hate incidents reported across US since March 2020, group says
- 'This is horrific': SFPD to step up patrols amid string of violent attacks on Asian Americans
- Daniel Wu, W. Kamau Bell discuss shocking crimes against Asian Americans
- Santa Cruz Warriors guard Jeremy Lin comments on racial slur directed at him
- #StandForAsians rally draws hundreds in San Mateo with 7th grader leading the charge
- Actors Daniel Dae Kim, Daniel Wu discuss violent crimes against Asian Americans in Bay Area
- Police investigating after Asian man stabbed in back in NYC's Chinatown
- Burma Superstar offers $5,000 reward as ABC7 receives reports of additional attacks on Asian Americans
- EXCLUSIVE: Former Bay Area gang member arrested after threatening to kill Asians online
- 'We're on alert': Volunteers arm Oakland Chinatown business owners with air horns for safety
- Arrest in NYC assault on Chinese woman after Olivia Munn called for public's help
- Hundreds of people are volunteering to escort elderly Asian Americans to help keep them safe
- Surge in racism against Asian Americans spurs calls for change
- Oakland police chief visits Chinatown shops, emphasizes need for 'greater presence' after attacks, crime