SANTA CRUZ – A Santa Cruz police officer was injured late Thursday night after he was attacked by a transient man wielding a handmade weapon of rope and spikes on Chico Avenue in the Westside, a Santa Cruz police sergeant said.

The officer was responding to a noise disturbance and found Jamie Smith in an empty field on the 200 block of Chico Avenue, Lt. Warren Barry said. Smith, who was behind a tree, charged at the officer after he was told to come out, Barry said.

Smith attacked the officer with a weapon made of rope with four 8-inch metal spikes tied to the ends, Barry said. The officer blocked an attack with his arm to prevent the weapon from hitting his head and tried to subdue Smith, eventually bringing him to the ground where he was able to hold him until other officers arrived, Barry said.

The officer, who suffered injuries to his left arm and back, was treated and released at Dominican Hospital, Barry said.

An investigation of the area showed Smith set up an illegal campsite in the vacant field, Barry said.

Smith, 40, was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on suspicion of battery of a peace officer and resisting a police officer with force. He is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.

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