UNIONDALE, Long Island (WABC) -- A Nassau County police officer is recovering after authorities say she was punched in the face by a burglary suspect.
On Sunday morning, police responded to the Tesoro Café in Uniondale for a man who had thrown a brick through the front window.
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Officers tried to arrest the suspect, 26-year-old Edicson Cartagena, when he spit into the eye of one of the officers and punched her several times in the right eye, police said.
After a brief struggle Cartagena was placed into police custody.
The officer was transported to a nearby hospital and treated for her injuries.
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Proceeds consisting of three Gatorade drinks were recovered.
Cartagena is charged with burglary, petit larceny, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, criminal trespass and assault.
WABC
Nassau County police photo