Tucson deputy loses eye following confrontation with suspect

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A Tucson woman became violent as she was being arrested for driving under the influence by Pima County Sheriff’s deputies Saturday night.

On December 10 around midnight, PCSO deputies conducted a DUI investigation in the area of East Drexel Road and South Alvernon Way.<

Deputies arrested 28-year-old Yesennia Gonzalez for DUI and placed her into handcuffs, but as they were putting her into a patrol car, she began kicking at those around her, according to Deputy Cody Gress. 

According to deputies, Gonzalez intentionally kicked Traffic Unit Sergeant Mark Bustamante with the heel of her boot, causing a severe injury to his left eye. 

Paramedics transported Bustamante to an area hospital and doctors tried to surgically repair his eye, but they were not able to repair the damage. 

Bustamante will receive a prosthetic eye.

"My hopes are high for him. I know that he will have some struggles and he's going to have to make some decisions, but the biggest decision for him to make is to get healthy," said Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.

Gonzalez was booked on two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, one count of resisting arrest and one count of DUI. Court records show she was stopped for speeding and unsafe lane changes. She's now behind bars on a $300,000 bond.