WOMAN IN CUSTODY IN BITING ATTACK.

Byline: Greg Botonis Staff Writer

PALMDALE - A woman suspected of trying to cash a forged check bit a sheriff's deputy on the elbow and ankle during a struggle outside a Palmdale Boulevard bank, officials said.

Deputies used pepper spray to subdue Angela Leatrice Williams, 29, of Palmdale, who they said resisted deputies called by bank officials, who were suspicious that Williams was trying to cash a forged check.

``When the deputies tried to restrain her, she bit one of them twice, causing an extensive amount of bleeding,'' said Deputy Dave Miklos.

Williams was arrested on suspicion of assault on a peace office, resisting arrest and passing a forged check. Deputies said Williams was also wanted by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Both Williams and the injured deputy, whose name was not released, will be tested for HIV, officials said.

Deputies said Williams entered the Washington Mutual branch in the 1700 block of East Palmdale Boulevard about 10:30 a.m. Thursday to cash a check, but a teller told her the check was no good.

The bank manager called the Sheriff's Department when Williams began to argue with the teller over the validity of the check.

When deputies arrived, they placed Williams in the back of a patrol car while they questioned the teller and bank manager.

When they returned to the car to handcuff her, Williams tried to get free. During the struggle, Williams managed to bite one of the deputies twice, drawing blood. He was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital to be treated.

``They were trying to hold her down, and she was fighting like a bull,'' said a passer-by who didn't want to be identified.