Deputy critically injured after Lakewood mall attack

LAKEWOOD, Calf. (KABC) -- A Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy was critically injured during an altercation with a male suspect at the Lakewood Center shopping mall Friday.

Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance call at the shopping mall around 8:30 p.m.

While one deputy made contact with the female involved in the domestic dispute, the other deputy went in search of the male who was possibly involved.

While escorting the man out of the mall, the deputy dropped his keys and the man attacked him, hitting him several times and knocking him to the ground. He then continued to kick the officer in the head with his shoe and foot.

A Good Samaritan witnessed the assault and pushed the suspect away from the downed deputy. Additional deputies arrived and took Frankie Estrada, 21, into custody.

Estrada is on probation for assaulting another deputy in Compton. He was booked on attempted murder of a peace officer and is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

The deputy, a father of two, was rushed to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center with head injuries. He is listed in critical but stable condition.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with further information was urged to contact the Lakewood Sheriff's Station at (562) 623-3500.