Phoenix Officer Injured in Assault While Responding to Disturbance

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A police officer surveys a disturbance scene after an assault incident.

News Summary

A Phoenix police officer sustained serious injuries during an assault while responding to a disturbance. The incident involved a man causing disruption and ended with the officer suffering a broken nose and ankle after being struck. The suspect, Joseph Huggins, has been charged with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct. The officer has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. The incident underscores the dangers law enforcement personnel face daily.

Phoenix – A Phoenix police officer sustained serious injuries during an assault while responding to a disturbance on Friday afternoon. The incident took place at approximately 1:15 p.m. near the intersection of 19th Avenue and Southern Avenue.

The officer was dispatched to a business following reports of a man, identified as 51-year-old Joseph Huggins, who was banging on the glass and causing a disruption to customers. Upon arrival, the officer attempted to detain Huggins. However, he became uncooperative and violently struck her in the face, resulting in the officer falling to the ground.

During the assault, the officer suffered a broken nose and a broken ankle. Huggins was apprehended shortly after the incident using a “less-lethal tool” by responding officers. He has since been charged with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct. Currently, Huggins is being held on a cash bond set at $100,000.

The injured officer was taken to a hospital for treatment but has since been released and is now recovering at home. She has dedicated six years of service to the Phoenix Police Department and has been recognized for her motivation and dedication to her role within the precinct.

Witnesses at the scene alerted authorities by calling 911, and both surveillance footage and the officer’s body-worn camera were analyzed as part of the investigation. This evidence will aid the prosecution in building a case against Huggins.

It is noteworthy that this is not Huggins’s first altercation with law enforcement. In November 2024, he faced a prior allegation of aggravated assault on another police officer. However, charges were not filed at that time due to insufficient evidence for a conviction.

The Phoenix Police Department emphasized the unacceptable nature of Huggins’s behavior towards both officers and the public. This incident highlights the risks law enforcement members face every day while on duty, as they often encounter volatile situations that can quickly escalate.

As investigations continue, the department stands firm in its commitment to maintain safety and order in the community, reaffirming the support for the officers who put themselves at risk to protect the public.

In conclusion, the assault on the Phoenix officer serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement personnel encounter. The quick response of witnesses and the efficiency of the police force in apprehending the suspect contributed to averting further harm.