LONG BEACH, Calif.
A 44-year-old Torrance man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a Long Beach police officer multiple times while officers responded to a call earlier this month, officials announced last week.
Arturo Scott Fernandez, 44, is charged with one count of attempted murder of a peace officer, two counts of assault on a peace officer, and two counts of resisting an executive officer, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities allege the attack was willful, deliberate and premeditated, and that Fernandez personally inflicted great bodily injury while using a deadly weapon — a folding knife.
Quick Facts:
- Date of incident: April 17
- Location: Billie Jean King Public Library, Long Beach
- Time: Approximately 2:20 p.m.
- Bail: $2.295 million
- Potential sentence: Up to life in prison
Officers responded to a call at the library near Pacific Avenue and First Street, where Fernandez allegedly refused commands. As officers attempted to detain him, he allegedly grabbed one officer and began stabbing him in the head and torso, according to officials.
Despite being wounded, the officer and his partner continued struggling with the suspect.
Two federal air marshals with the Department of Homeland Security who were nearby intervened and assisted in subduing Fernandez, authorities said. He continued resisting before being taken into custody.
Investigators recovered the knife at the scene.
The injured officer suffered multiple non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital, where he was later released.
The incident was captured on surveillance video and body-worn cameras, officials said.
Fernandez was charged April 21. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said the case highlights the dangers officers face in daily service, while Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish praised the officer’s actions and confirmed he is expected to recover.