Deputy in critical condition after assault at Lakewood mall

A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was in critical condition after being assaulted by a domestic disturbance suspect at a Lakewood shopping mall Friday night, authorities said.

The alleged assailant, Frankie Estrada, 21, was booked on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer, according to a statement from the sheriff’s department. He was being held at Lakewood Station in lieu of $1 million bail.

Deputies initially received a report of a domestic disturbance at the Lakewood Center mall around 8 p.m. Friday, according to the sheriff’s statement. One deputy spoke to the female involved in the incident while the other went to look for the man alleged to be involved, who turned out to be Estrada.

While the second deputy was escorting him through the mall, Estrada allegedly turned on the deputy and hit him several times, according to the statement. Authorities said the deputy was knocked to the ground, at which point Estrada allegedly continued attacking him with a “shod foot.”

A bystander intervened and pushed the suspect away from the deputy, and Estrada was taken into custody by other deputies arriving at the scene, authorities said. The deputy was transported to a hospital where he was listed in critical but stable condition.

Authorities asked that anyone with information contact the sheriff’s Lakewood station at (562) 623-3500, or anonymously through L.A. Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or lacrimestoppers.org.

Twitter: @vicjkim