Hayward officer shoots suspect after being attacked

A Hayward police officer fired her weapon after being attacked by a suspect armed with a metal bar, authorities said Tuesday.

The shooting happened on Hewitt Place, a quiet cul-de-sac not used to police activity.

"I''ve been living here my whole life," said resident Cynthia Millan. "It's very quiet. We know mostly everybody, so to see that happen here, it's kind of sad."

It all started at about 7 p.m. Monday, when a man called police, saying he was fighting with his roommate.

"They said that the roommate had their car keys, wouldn't give them back, and asked for assistance," said Hayward police Sgt. Ruben Pola. "They also said the roommate might be under the influence of illegal drugs."

After officers arrived, the suspect refused to cooperate and violently pulled away from them, Pola said. An officer deployed a Taser, but it had no effect.

"Suddenly, he armed himself with a piece of a metal bar that was on the ground, violently came and struck the officer,' Pola said. "The officer was in fear for her safety. She defended herself by discharging her service weapon, striking the suspect."

The suspect was listed in critical but stable condition. Police would not say where and how many times he was shot.

Police said the officer, a 15-year department veteran, was hit in the arm with "significant force." She was treated at a hospital and released.

Neighbors said they were shocked by the burst of violence on their street.

"It's one of those neighborhoods you don't find too often where the kids play outside together, neighbors come over and hang out on the weekends together," said resident Liz Bandermann.

The names of the suspect and the officer have not been released. The shooting is under investigation by Hayward police and the Alameda County district attorney's office.