Riverside police officer attacked during Thanksgiving arrest of suspect

A Riverside man who allegedly tried to kill a peace officer on Thanksgiving was arrested and jailed, police said today.

Police responded to a call of a domestic disturbance at an apartment in the 3600 block of Chestnut Street about 7:45 a.m. Thursday and were told the suspect appeared to be drunk and was throwing things around inside the unit, according to the Riverside Police Department.

The first officers on scene encountered the suspect, identified as Salvador Mario Martinez, 41, who was uncooperative and argued with officers, leading to a fight, police said.

"During the altercation, the suspect and officers fell to the ground and the suspect began violently attacking one of them by choking her almost to the point of unconsciousness," a statement from the department said. "He continued ignoring all commands to comply as several officers attempted to stop his aggression and pry him off the female officer.''

Other officers used force to take Martinez into custody. He was booked for attempted murder of a peace officer, false imprisonment and resisting arrest using violence, police said.

The female officer was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries she suffered in the attack and was later released. A second officer also hurt during the fight was treated at a hospital and returned to duty, the department said.

"(Thursday's) incident highlights the dangers our officers face each day, especially when responding to domestic violence situations,'' interim Chief of Police Larry Gonzalez said. "As aggression toward law enforcement is on the rise, our officers will continue to be the force for good while protecting our community.''

Martinez was being held on $1 million bail, according to police.