A Humboldt State University Police Department officer was injured early Thursday morning as he rushed to help a man who was reportedly being assaulted on the Arcata Plaza, the Arcata Police Department said Thursday.

At 1:50 a.m., officers from APD and UPD were patrolling the Plaza on foot when they saw a 24-year-old parolee, Brandon Joseph Cardemas, of Eureka, reportedly assaulting a man on the ground. As officers rushed to the aid of the victim, UPD Officer Rodney Dickerson fell on the sidewalk, struck his head on the pavement and was knocked unconscious.

Dickerson was taken by ambulance to Mad River Community Hospital to be treated for his injuries, which included abrasions, a mild head injury and a broken collarbone. He will be unable to return to regular patrol duties for an indefinite period of time due to his injuries, the APD said.

Cardemas was arrested on suspicion of fighting and parole violation and booked at the Humboldt County jail. The victim Cardemas was reportedly assaulting left the area prior to being identified and the extent of his injuries weren’t determined, nor was the cause of the fight.