Albemarle courtroom attack prompts security review

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Albemarle County’s sheriff plans to revise courtroom security after a defendant allegedly attacked his accuser while awaiting a hearing.

Sheriff J.E. ``Chip’‘ Harding didn’t provide details. He said a few simple changes would be made in the wake of Thursday’s incident in Albemarle County General District Court.

Albemarle police Sgt.. Tim Aylor says Mark Wayne Shifflett was awaiting a hearing on theft charges when he allegedly assaulted the victim, who was standing near the prosecutor’s table.

Bailiffs grabbed Shifflett and escorted him from the courtroom after a struggle.

Shiflett was charged with assault and battery and obstruction of justice. He is being held without bond at the Central Virginia Regional Jail.