Cathedral City, CA – The Cathedral City Police Department released dramatic video showing the moment a man attacked Officer Marcus Ayala with a knife.

Police Commander Nathaniel Hanley said the incident ended with Officer Ayala gaining control of the suspect and arresting him on scene.

Officer Ayala had responded to a 911 call around 3:11 p.m. on July 27 about a verbal disturbance between family members.

“The attack happened right as he got to the front door,” Hanley said. The footage captures the struggle and the moment additional officers arrived.

Riverside County jail records identify the suspect as 29-year-old Juan Francisco Sosa Jr., who was charged with attempted murder and robbery. Sosa pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to return to court on September 3.

Hanley confirmed Officer Ayala has returned to duty. “He’s fully recovered and back to full duty,” Hanley said. “He received a slight injury during the scuffle, but he was able to come back to duty actually the following week.”

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