Port Arthur police are investigating an assault on a PA police officer that happened Thursday evening.

The Port Arthur Police Department got a 911 call around 6:30 p.m. Thursday about an aggravated assault on a police officer at 2555 95^th St., Willow Lakes Apartments.

A preliminary investigation showed the officer answered a knock at the door by a white man about 6 feet tall, 200 pounds, wearing a green shirt and black skull cap.

The man repeatedly slashed at the nine-year veteran officer with a bladed weapon. The officer suffered several wounds to his hands and arms before the man ran away.

In a press conference Friday, Deputy Chief of Criminal Investigations Division for the PAPD Johns Owens followed up on the current investigation.

“There is no new news,” Owens said.

“Right now, this is a very open and fluid investigation. We’re exploring all leads, interviewing many people; and right now, to ensure this investigation is done thoroughly, we cannot comment whatsoever regarding this investigation.”

Owens did not release the name of the officer assaulted, but he described the officer’s injuries.

“He received injuries to his hands and his arms,” Owens said. “They were extensive injuries; however, the physicians at St. Elizabeth’s were able to provide excellent medical care and he received several stitches for those injuries.”

Owens said, “He was released sometime early this morning. He is in a secure location and is resting comfortably at this time with coworkers.”

Owens commented on the PAPD’s efforts following leads in the assault.

“We’re looking at any and everything,” Owens said. “We’re canvassing the neighborhood where this officer lived, where he has lived. We’re exploring every avenue of information, whether it be video, door-to-door canvassing — we’re doing that.

“Basically, (we’re) retracing every minute prior to and immediately thereafter this occurred.”

Owens urged anyone with any knowledge of the assault to contact their respective authorities.

“In regards to the citizens and the community …” Owens said. “If you have any information whatsoever regarding what took place, please call the Port Arthur Police Department at 983-8600 or call the Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers.

“In regards to Crime Stoppers, that’s anonymous — you don’t have to give your name. But we are definitely soliciting the assistance of the community.

“Anything you may have seen or heard, we would very much appreciate that.”