Authorities in Newark are investigating a violent attack on a veteran officer that happened last night at a hospital in the city.
The incident happened at around 8:15 p.m. at The University Hospital where a female police officer was brutally beaten by a prisoner that she was guarding according to reports.
According to initial reports, the female Newark Police officer was guarding a prisoner at the hospital when the male suspect requested to go to the bathroom, she was in the process of removing Jose Rodriguez's handcuffs when the assault began.
During the alleged attack, Rodriguez attempted to disarm the officer but was unsuccessful.
The officer was hospitalized after suffering severe facial trauma when the suspect continuously beat her before running away from the scene according to reports.
Officers located the Rodrguez hiding under a car parked car in a UMDNJ parking lot located on South Orange Avenue a short time later.
A crime scene was setup where authorities searched for evidence.
Rodriguez was retuned to police custody and was charged with assault on an officer and eluding.