Video shows attack on LA officer

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles police released shocking video Wednesday that captured a brutal attack on an officer inside a station last month, including footage from the officer’s own body-worn camera that shows a violent struggle for his gun.

The 21-minute video compilation of the Sept. 26 assault includes footage from a surveillance camera at the station and the body camera of Officer Anthony Freeman, as well as from the body cameras of officers who arrested suspect Jose Cerpa Guzman.

Freeman, a veteran of the department for more than 30 years, survived the attack. He had not yet returned to work as of Wednesday, the LAPD said.

At one point, the graphic footage shows his blood dripping onto the lobby floor of the Harbor Station in the Sen Pedro area of Los Angeles as he shouts for an ambulance, breathing heavily and saying, “I’m starting to black out!”

Guzman, 29, was arrested after a brief vehicle pursuit — parts of the chase and the takedown were captured on camera — and authorities say they found Freeman’s gun in his truck.

Guzman is being held on $2.2 million bail, records show. He is scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 16 on charges of attempted murder on a peace officer and assault with a semiautomatic firearm, as well as robbery, evading and resisting an officer. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

“This was a brutal, unprovoked attack on one of our officers where the suspect clearly tried to kill a cop,” said Craig Lally, president of the union that represents rank-and-file officers, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, in a statement. “Thanks to the efficient and professional work of our officers, this menace is off of our streets and we hope he stays there. There should be no leniency for an attempted cop killer.”