A York Regional police officer has been seriously injured after being allegedly attacked at a Richmond Hill mall parking lot.
Emergency crews were called to Hillcrest Mall, near Yonge Street and Carrville Road, at around 3:40 p.m.
Sgt. Andy Pattenden said the officer was sitting in their cruiser when the suspect approached and attacked the cop.
“The officer was able to call for help,” Pattenden said.
The injuries to the officer are considered serious, but non-life threatening.
Police said a 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene.
A witness who lives in an apartment building adjacent to the parking lot told CP24 she saw the suspect punch the officer multiple times.
"I was worried about the officer," said Parisa Gharehkhani, who witnessed the incident from her balcony.
Gharehkani said she then called 911 while her son recorded the alleged attack.
At one point, she said she thought the suspect would kill the officer.
"Oh my god, he's going to kill him," she said.
Gharehkani said the suspect continued to punch the officer in the face while the officer was pinned to the ground.
The suspect then walked away from the officer but was later arrested by police.
Police continue to investigate.
