Video shows Phoenix officer allegedly being assaulted by suspect Joseph Huggins.
During the fight, the officer was hit in the face and fell to the ground. Police say she suffered a broken nose and a broken ankle.
Phoenix Police Department Press Release Re: Joseph Huggins Arrested for Alleged Assault on Officer
Date/Time: May 30, 2025, around 1:15 p.m.
Incident: 2025-796472
Location: 1800 West Southern Avenue
Victim: Phoenix Police Officer
Suspect: Joseph Huggins, 51-year-old male, MCSO Booking# G182762
UPDATE: May 31, 2025
Earlier this afternoon, the Phoenix officer involved in yesterday’s incident was released from the hospital and is currently recovering at home. The Department is grateful for the outpouring of support and words of encouragement for our officer.
The suspect in this case has been identified as 51-year-old Joseph Huggins. Huggins was taken into custody with the use of a less-lethal tool a few blocks away from where the incident occurred. He was taken to the hospital, where he was medically cleared and booked into jail. Huggins’ charges include aggravated assault and disorderly conduct due to yesterday’s events. He is currently being held on a $100,000 bond.
Sergeant Phil Krynsky
Public Affairs Bureau
Officer Hospitalized After Assault in South Phoenix
(May 30, 2025) A six-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department is recovering at the hospital after being assaulted outside a business in south Phoenix.
At about 1:15 p.m., an officer from South Mountain Precinct responded to a fight call at a business near 1800 West Southern Avenue. When the officer got to the scene, she located an adult male that matched the description of the man who was reported to be hitting the front door of the business.
While speaking with the man, he became uncooperative and tired to leave the area. The officer attempted to stop the man at which time he began to fight the officer. During the fight, the man struck the officer in the face causing her to fall to the ground. It was at this time that the man left the area. A witness called into 9-1-1 to report the injured officer and the direction the man was seen walking.
Additional officers responded and searched the area locating the man nearby. He was arrested without incident and later booked into jail. Phoenix fire department responded and took the officer to the hospital with serious injuries consisting of a broken nose and a broken ankle. She was admitted to the hospital for continued care.
Sergeant Brian Bower
Public Affairs Bureau