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Identified: Officer who shot at suspect who attacked CCPD officers on NYE

Officer Tijerina.PNG
Servando Sanchez.PNG
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UPDATE 1-7:
The Corpus Christi Police Department has identified the officer who shot at a suspect after he attacked two CCPD officers with a knife on Dec. 31, 2021.

The three officers were responding to the 4100 block of Brett Street around 9:59 p.m. on New Years Eve. Shortly after they arrived, they were confronted by the suspect with a knife and two officers were attacked. In response, a third officer at the scene shot at the suspect, striking him.

The officer who struck the suspect was Officer John Tijerina, who has been with the Corpus Christi Police Department since July of 2019.

He has been placed on paid administrative leave, which CCPD says is in accordance with current department practice and policy.

UPDATE 1-3:
Corpus Christi police confirm that the offender that injured two CCPD officers with a knife on December 31, 2021 after they responded to a domestic disturbance call has been booked at the City Detention Center.

33-year-old Servando Sanchez was released from a local hospital Monday afternoon and taken into police custody.

Sanchez is charged with Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon (Family Violence), Unlawful Restraint, Interference with Emergency Call and two counts of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer.

ORIGINAL STORY:
On Friday December 31, 2021, two Corpus Christi police officers were taken to the hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries after being attacked with a knife while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

“These are very dangerous calls," Chief Mike Markle said. "One of the most dangerous calls we can make. It’s a night of alcohol and family violence like I've talked about here. And our officers are out there trying to do the right thing. And unfortunately this is what happens sometimes.”

CCPD says as of 1:46 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 1, the officers who were injured have been discharged from the hospital to recover at home.

The officers responded to the 4100 block of Brett Street around 9:59 p.m. Shortly after they arrived, they were confronted by the suspect with a knife and attacked. In response, a third officer at the scene shot at the suspect, striking him.

“When they arrived they made contact with a suspect inside one of the apartments," said Markle. "During that contact the suspect attacked our officers with a knife. Two of our officers stabbing or laceration wounds.”

The suspect was given immediate medical attention and then taken to the hospital. The two officers who were injured were also taken to the hospital, along with the victim of the domestic disturbance call.

“Well, this is indicative of what can happen in the job and in our community," Markle said. "We’re not immune to those same things as other cities.”

According to CCPD, the officers will be placed on paid administrative leave, in accordance with current department practice and policy.

No names of any individuals involved have been released.

The investigation in ongoing. More information will be given as it becomes available.