Suspect Bites Off Part Of Deputy's Ear In Palmdale

PALMDALE (CBS) — A deputy was escorting a suspect back to his patrol car Monday when the man started to struggle and bit off part of the deputy's ear.

The deputy initially saw the suspect walking in the middle of the street on the 200 block of East Palmdale Boulevard at 3:44 a.m. He found out the man was on probation, and possibly on drugs, and decided to walk him back to his patrol car.

The suspect began to struggle with the deputy, wrapped him in a bear hug and then bit off part of his ear. The suspect also tried to snatch the deputy's gun during the fight.

During the struggle, the suspect sustained a dislocated elbow, broken nose and abrasions.

Deputies arrived soon after to help subdue the suspect and to assist the injured deputy, who was transported to the hospital. Paramedics also took the piece of ear with them but doctors said the risk of infection was too high to attempt to reattach it.

The suspect was arrested for mayhem and for assault on an officer, causing bodily injuries. He was being held on parole violation without bail.