Bartlesville Man Charged After Alleged Spitting Incident

Caleb Holdaway accused of spitting on a Washington County Correctional Facility officer

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:21pm

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An extreme close-up of a handcuffed wrist and forearm, the skin and metal of the cuffs sharply illuminated by a direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty nature of a criminal justice incident.A harsh, unforgiving close-up of a handcuffed arm reflects the tense realities faced by correctional officers on the job.Bartlesville Today

A 23-year-old Bartlesville man named Caleb Holdaway has been charged with a felony for allegedly spitting on a Washington County Correctional Facility officer while in custody. The incident occurred on Monday, leading to the charge of placing body fluid on a government employee as a prisoner.

Why it matters

Incidents of inmates spitting on or assaulting correctional officers are taken very seriously, as they pose a threat to the safety and wellbeing of law enforcement personnel. This case highlights the challenges faced by correctional facilities in maintaining order and security.

The details

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Holdaway was in custody at the Washington County Correctional Facility when the alleged incident occurred. He has been charged with a felony count of placing body fluid on a government employee as a prisoner.

  • The alleged incident took place on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Caleb Holdaway

A 23-year-old man from Bartlesville, Oklahoma who has been charged with a felony for allegedly spitting on a correctional officer while in custody.

Washington County Correctional Facility

The detention facility where the alleged incident took place and where Holdaway was in custody.

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What’s next

Holdaway is expected to appear in court for an arraignment on the felony charge in the coming days.

The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder of the challenges correctional officers face in maintaining order and safety within detention facilities, and the serious consequences that can result from inmate misconduct.