Man shot by Albany police pleads guilty in last-minute deal

The man shot by police last year in Albany entered a guilty plea Friday morning, just days before his trial was set to begin.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of menacing an officer. That’s a felony charge that carries two years in prison. The sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 18. Young was previously charged with menacing a police officer and attempted aggravated assault upon a police officer. His trial was scheduled to start on Monday.

Police body camera video showed 33-year-old Jordan Young charging at officers on Jan. 24, 2022 with what appeared to be a knife. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon several times. He ignored their commands and was shot in the torso. Police said the shooting was justified.

Some community members raised questions about Young’s mental health issues and about race. Some have questioned why Young, a Black man, was stopped by Albany Police. Some have called for the district attorney’s office to drop the charges.

Young has had 23 surgeries since the shooting, and according to his attorney, requires much more medical care. He will not begin serving his sentence until he is medically ready.

“With all plea agreements, with all compromise, no side is perfectly happy, but we are thrilled that this is finally an acknowledgement by the district attorney’s office that his health matters,” Rebekah Sokol, assistant Albany County public defender, said.

The Albany County District Attorney’s Office declines to comment until sentencing nears. The plea deal includes three years of post-release supervision and an order of protection for the officer involved, the D.A.’s office said.