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Inmate allegedly assaults attorney during video arraignment in Alexandria jail

The William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center (via City of Alexandria)

An inmate at the Alexandria jail is being held without bond after allegedly assaulting his court-appointed attorney during his arraignment on Thursday morning, according to the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect allegedly assaulted his attorney in a conference room during his video arraignment, according to ASO. The attorney was treated at the scene and declined to press charges.

The identities of the suspect and attorney were not released.

“We prioritize the safety of everyone who comes into the jail,” said Sheriff Sean Casey. “We handle hundreds of similar proceedings every year and this is a highly unusual incident.”

According to the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office:

On Thursday morning, an inmate and his attorney were in a conference room at the Adult Detention Center for a video arraignment in General District Court. During the proceeding, the defendant assaulted his attorney. Deputies secured the defendant and the jail’s medical staff treated the attorney.

The Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating this incident, but no criminal charges have yet been filed for the assault. The Office will also conduct an internal review of the incident and our own security protocols.

The defendant remains in custody.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.