Police officer attacked by sex worker on Parkway Drive fired a warning shot, cops say

A Fresno police officer was assaulted by a sex worker Tuesday evening on Parkway Drive after the officer tried to arrest her for prostitution, according to police.

The female officer, who was not identified by police, tried to arrest Dontrea Castro, 22, around 5 p.m. in front of the Parkway Inn, according to Lt. Tim Tietjen.

Castro allegedly began punching the officer, pulling her hair out and knocking her equipment to the ground in the street. The officer was able to request help using her radio, and a witness called police to report the assault, Tietjen said.

Tietjen described the altercation as a “hand-to-hand battle” in which the officer was fighting for her life.

The officer stepped back at one point and fired a warning shot into the air, Tietjen said, but it did not stop Castro from attacking her.

When other officers arrived, Castro was arrested and taken to police headquarters for questioning. The officer involved was taken to Community Regional Medical Center where she was reported to be shaken up but in good condition, Tietjen said. She had numerous contusions, a cut to the head and bruising.

The officer has been with the police department for several years, Tietjen said.

Castro was expected to be booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of assaulting an officer and prostitution.

This story was originally published January 7, 2020 at 10:40 PM.