A deputy in Arizona has lost his eye after being kicked by a woman during a traffic stop in Arizona, reports on Sunday night said.
Deputy Cody Gress, a spokesman for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, said Yesennia Gonzalez assaulted Sgt. Mark Bustamante, who pulled her over, KSLA-TV reported.
“She became physically resistant and deliberately began kicking,” Gess said. “Gonzalez intentionally kicked traffic unit sergeant Mark Bustamante in his left eye with the heel of her boot.”
Bustamante was taken to a nearby hospital but doctors weren’t able to save his eye.
Gonzalez, 28, was allegedly arrested for driving under the influence, and when deputies tried to apprehend her, she resisted and fought with police. She’s accused of kicking the deputy in the eye with the heel of her boot, ABC15 reported.
She is also accused of kicking another traffic deputy during the arrest.
Officials charged her with aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, and driving under the influence.
The 100 Club of Arizona, a group that provides aid to the families of officers and firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty, announced it will help Bustamante.
“When you think about the injury that the deputy received in this case, it’s really as life altering as any other injury,” said Jim Kirk, with the group, told KSLA.
