Bystander video of the incident.

By Michael Mashburn From Daily Voice

Albany Police have launched an internal review after a viral video claimed an officer punched a woman on the ground before shoving a bystander.

The incident unfolded Tuesday, Nov. 4, in the area of Washington Avenue and Lark Street, where officers were responding to a reported fight outside the library, Albany Police said.

Video shared to Reddit shows a male officer sitting on a woman face down on the sidewalk, attempting to get her in handcuffs. The officer is heard threatening to punch her “in the [expletive] face” as she struggles beneath him, refusing to put her hands behind her back.

Three additional officers moved in as the woman continued to resist, police said. She was eventually placed in handcuffs and taken into an Albany Police Department vehicle.

The video continues after the arrest, showing the same officer interacting with bystanders. The camera operator repeatedly tells him to “chill out,” accusing him of acting aggressively. Footage shows the officer pushing a man twice before another officer steps in.

The Reddit post accompanying the video accused the officer of using excessive force and verbally threatening bystanders. The post also alleged he shoved witnesses and cursed at people recording the incident.

In a statement addressing the incident Thursday, Nov. 13, Albany Police said the woman bit one of the officers in the leg during the encounter. She was arraigned Wednesday, Nov. 5, on charges of assault, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, and harassment.

The department also confirmed it is conducting a “comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the call for service.” The Community Police Review Board said it has opened a complaint related to the encounter.

Albany Police asked anyone with additional information to contact the Office of Professional Standards.

This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

Click here to watch bystander video of the incident.