Officer-assault suspect used alias

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Albert L. Riddick was arrested on May 12 in Portsmouth for grand larceny and vehicle trespassing.

One week later, Joseph Staton was accused of brutally attacking Suffolk police officer James Winslow.

Debbie George with Suffolk Police says that Riddick and Staton are the same man.

George explains that Staton used the alias of Albert Riddick when he was being arrested for allegedly assaulting Officer James Winslow, which is why Staton was charged with forgery of a public document.

Joseph Staton, 43, of Portsmouth, is charged with attempting to remove a firearm from law enforcement officer, attempting to murder a law enforcement officer, forgery of a public record, uttering a forged public record and grand larceny, malicious wounding of a police officer, aggravated malicious wounding, shooting, stabbing, cutting or wounding, grand larceny of a police radio, possession of stolen vehicle, burglary and third offense petit larceny for taking clothing from a residence.

George says Officer Winslow was moved out of ICU on May 24.

Jan Westerbeck with Portsmouth Police says the Portsmouth detective who arrested Staton as Albert Riddick on May 12 had no indication at the time that he was anyone other than Riddick. The discovery wasn't made until after the fingerprints were processed, and she says he had used Albert Riddick on numerous occasions, so it was associated with his criminal history.

Portsmouth Police are still unsure on Staton's correct date of birth. Westerbeck says the arresting detective on May 12 will be filing additional charges with Staton's correct name.