Man Who Fought Court Officers, Knocked Down Railing Has Case Bound Over

Monday, March 10, 2008

A man who court officers in Circuit Court said fought them and knocked down a railing in Judge Jackie Schulten Bolton's courtroom had his case bound to the Grand Jury on Monday.

Michael Tyrone Hawkins appeared before Criminal Court Judge Bob Moon on the charge of assaulting officers in the incident a week ago.

Judge Moon said, "Disruption and drama have no place in a courtroom. This type of unacceptable conduct is dealt with quickly, firmly and appropriately."

Officer Johnny Harris said Hawkins had been sentenced to 10 days in jail by Judge Bolton for failure to pay child support.

He said when officers went to take him into custody, Hawkins raised his fists and said, "Don't touch me. I am not going to jail."

He said Hawkins began swinging and kicking and other officers had to be called for backup.

The officer said Officer James Millsaps received a hand injury and another officer was bitten by the defendant. Officer Harris also said that the courtroom railing was knocked down and damaged and had to be replaced.

Judge Moon declined to reduce the $60,000 bond that had been set for Hawkins, who said he is from out of state and said he has proof he has paid the child support.



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