Inmate at Albany jail lashes out at police, spits in deputy's face

A deputy from the Albany County Sheriff's Office faced an unexpected physical altercation in police court yesterday when an inmate from the county jail attacked him.

A deputy was guarding 49-year-old Charles Willis, an inmate at the Albany County Correctional Facility, as Willis awaited a court appearance in Albany Police Court.

When the deputy attempted to move Willis to another holding area when Willis refused to be moved or handcuffed, Willis allegedly became aggressive toward the deputy.

Willis began to fight the deputy and spit in his face, according to the Sheriff's Office. Two Albany police officers came over to assist the deputy and the three were able to subdue Willis.

Willis, who has over 60 prior arrests and was in court to face a drug charge, was charged with felony second-degree assault, misdemeanor second-degree obstructing governmental administration and violation second-degree harrassment.

The sheriff's deputy was taken to Memorial Hospital to be treated for a facial cut and shoulder injury. Willis was transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital for a small cut over his left eye.