Three in custody after San Jose State police officer punched in face

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Alex Savidge/KTVU) - A San Jose State University police officer on Tuesday was recovering after being attacked by several men while he was on patrol near campus. 

The officer was punched repeatedly in the face just after midnight on Monday, according to a spokeswoman, after responding to a call near the Susan Hammer theater downtown during a confrontation between three students and three non-students.   

The sergeant called for backup, and police wound up taking three men into custody. Two of the suspected attackers were taken to the hospital; one was tased and the other was struck with a baton.

A 23-year-old man is facing assault charges, the other two are facing charges of resisting arrest. All three men are suspected gang members, Harris said.

The injured officer was released from the hospital.