BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Boston corrections officer is recovering after being attacked by several assailants—and the incident was captured on surveillance video.
The Suffolk County Sheriff's Department said the officer, who was not yet in uniform, was beaten as he arrived at his job at the Suffolk County House of Correction shortly before 8 a.m.
In a release, the Sheriff's Department said the officer was in his car on Atkinson Street when one of the attackers yelled out to him, so he rolled down his window. The man then reached through his open car window and struck him.
The officer gets out of his vehicle and takes a swing at the man, and then several other men descend on the officer and deliver a brutal beating.
"While the reason for the assault currently remains unconfirmed, the motive is suspected to be attempted robbery," the release said.
The officer reported that his phone, watch, and glasses were stolen during the assault.
A witness said one of the attackers was striking the officer with a metal object.
The office was treated for unspecified injuries at Boston Medical Center and released.
Officers arrested Torre Jenkins, 45 of Boston, in the assault. He's charged with breaking and entering a motor vehicle and attempted larceny of a motor vehicle.
Boston Police said Jenkins had four active warrants for drug offenses, assault and battery of a public employee, and disorderly conduct.
Jonathan Corey, President of the Correction Officers' Union, said the incident is not unprecedented.
"Unfortunately, this is not the first incident involving one of our members outside our facility," he said. "The Local is outraged the mecca of crime within the City of Boston has been brought to our front door with disregard for anyone else's safety. This area has become a haven for crime, clearly without recourse, and is based on neglect from the city."
Police are asking anyone with information to contact District C-6 Detectives at 617-343-4742.
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WBZ NewsRadio's Mike Macklin reports