An Altamont man allegedly assaulted a Guilderland police officer during a traffic stop and then another officer when police served a warrant for his arrest.
Michele G. Salerno, 54, of 707 State Route 156, allegedly assaulted a Guilderland police officer during a traffic stop Monday, June 30, on Western Avenue. Salerno was scheduled to appear in Town Court Thursday, July 3, for charges stemming from the alleged incident, but failed to appear in court. A bench warrant was then issued for his arrest.
Police attempted to serve the warrant on Monday, July 7, around 8:50 p.m., at Salerno’s home. When police attempted to arrest Salerno, he allegedly resisted arrest and injured Sgt. Michael Minette’s hand.
Minette was treated and released from an area hospital for his injury.
For the most recent incident, Salerno was charged with assault in the second degree, a felony, and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree.
Salerno was arraigned Tuesday, July 8, and remanded to Albany County jail on $15,000 bail.
During the traffic stop on June 30, Salerno, who was the passenger, exited the car and allegedly confronted officer Robert Bailey. Salerno allegedly refused to get back inside the car. Bailey then placed Salerno under arrest and attempted to handcuff him, but Salerno allegedly assaulted him.
Bailey’s injuries allegedly included a bite on his right forearm, laceration to his left cheek, hairline fracture to his thumb and abrasion to his left knee. Police said his watch was also intentionally damaged.
Following the June 30 incident, Salerno was charged with criminal mischief in the third degree and assault in the second degree, both felonies, along with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree.