HUMBOLDT, Calif. -- A police officer from Humboldt State (Calif.) University was injured today as he ran to stop an assault occurring on the Arcata Plaza.
According to the Arcata Police Department, early this morning officers from the Arcata Police Department and University Police Department were patrolling the Arcata Plaza on foot.
Officers observed 24-year-old parolee, Brandon Joseph Cardemas, of Eureka, violently assaulting a man on the ground. As the officers rushed to the aid of the victim, UPD Officer Rodney Dickerson fell on the sidewalk and struck his head on the pavement, knocking himself unconscious.
Dickerson was transported by ambulance to Mad River Community Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. He suffered abrasions, a mild head injury, and a broken collar bone. Due to his injuries he will be unable to return to regular patrol duties for an indefinite period of time, said the press release.
Cardemas was arrested for allegedly fighting, and for violating parole. He was booked into the Humboldt County Jail. The victim left the area prior to being identified. The extent of his injuries were not determined nor was the cause of the fight.