San Diego

A prisoner attacked a bailiff in the downtown courthouse Tuesday, and the bailiff was taken to a hospital for treatment.

County Marshal Michael Sgobba) said Ricky Spells allegedly hit the bailiff with his fists in an inmate holding tank as Spells’ handcuffs were being removed.

“It was an assault in the holding area. He was being returned from court. The deputy was unhandcuffing him at the time,” Sgobba said.

Sgobba did not identify the injured deputy marshal, saying his wife had not yet been notified of the incident. The bailiff, who has been with the marshal’s office for about a year and half, was taken by ambulance to UC San Diego Medical Center, where he was listed in good condition.