A Springfield man is facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly hitting a city police officer in the head with a hammer.
Authorities were called for a reported disturbance in the Upper Hill area Thursday morning.
The attack reportedly happened while police were attempting to subdue Leon Moultrie, a retired policeman.
A Springfield Police Department official says the officer who was attacked suffered severe injuries, but is expected to survive.
Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood said this is an example of why police officers need to be part of the response to mental health or psychiatric crisis calls.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak/WHYN News)