Officer recovers from shoplifting suspect’s beating
APD Officer was hit repeatedly in the face with multiple objects, including his taser
ALBANY, GA- Albany Police say one of their officers is recovering after trying to take a shoplifting suspect into custody.
Albany Police say Officer A. Cardona was trying to place handcuffs on 34 year old shoplifting suspect Michael David Hudson, when the suspect attacked.
It happened Wednesday afternoon at Rainbow Clothing Store at 311 South Slappey Boulevard.
Police say Officer Cardona began escorting the suspect to the front of the store. Once he got to the front of the store, he asked Hudson to sit down, but Hudson became furious over a receipt.
Officer Cardona sustained multiple injuries to his face and was tased in his left hand during his attempt to get Hudson in handcuffs. At some point, Hudson snatched the taser from Ptl. Cardona’s vest and used it as a weapon to strike Ptl. Cardona. While attempting to get his taser, Hudson started punching Cardona in the face. By this time, the two were on the floor, and Hudson still had the Officers taser, and they continued to struggle until his backup arrived.
Hudson was transported to the Dougherty County Jail after being seen by EMS. He was charged with Aggravated Assault, Robbery by Sudden Snatching, Theft by Shoplifting, Obstruction of an Officer, and Interference with Government Property. Hudson damaged a patrol car. This incident was cleared by arrest.
Cardona sustained a laceration on his head, and he is okay. He will return to work later this week.
The Albany Police Department is aware of the video of the incident circulating on social media and want to thank everyone for the cooperation that was received.
