Holly MatkinLos Angeles, CA – A violent suspect bit off part of a Los Angeles police sergeant’s pinky finger during a brawl at a Metro station last week.
The incident began at approximately 10:15 a.m. on April 27, as Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers assigned to the Metro Red Line were out on routine patrol in East Hollywood, the police department said in a press release later that night.
The officers allegedly spotted a male passenger who was in possession of a methamphetamine pipe, so they approached him and escorted him off of the train while they conducted a narcotics investigation, KXAN reported.
“After the suspect was escorted off the train, the suspect became violent and fought with the officers,” the LAPD said.
During the ensuing brawl, the suspect allegedly chomped down on a police sergeant’s hand, severing a portion of his pinky finger.
He also allegedly tried to bite other officers during the melee, KXAN reported.
The suspect was ultimately taken into custody and is now facing charges of resisting an executive order, mayhem, and two felony counts of assault on a peace officer or firefighter, according to KNBC.
The injured sergeant was transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics.
Doctors attempted to surgically reattach the sergeant’s severed finger, but those attempts were not successful, KXAN reported.
The suspect suffered minor injuries during his arrest and was also transported to a local hospital, according to the LAPD.
Police confirmed the suspect is a transient, KXAN reported.
He has since been identified as 36-year-old Ephraim Okorie, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore denounced the horrific assault and said it was deeply disturbing.
“I’m deeply disturbed by the vicious and gruesome attack on our Sergeant as he and other officers were simply conducting routine patrol of the transit line,” Chief Moore said in the department’s press release. “We remain committed to our work each day to improve the safety of the entire transit system with dedicated patrols engaging those who pose a risk to the safety of others.”
