PORT TOWNSEND — A defendant fled from the courtroom after being found guilty of a hit and run collision Friday, but was tackled at the door by a citizen.
Shawn M. Hafling, 41, of Port Townsend appeared in Jefferson County Superior Court to be sentenced for the hit-and-run involving injuries, the county Sheriff’s Office said.
After Judge Craddock Verser sentenced Hafling to confinement in the county jail, Hafling bolted and ran from the courtroom security officer.
The officer, Sheriff’s Deputy Alex Mintz, attempted to grasp the inmate at the door, but after a brief struggle, Hafling broke away and ran for the courthouse stairs, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The citizen in the courtroom, Ty Hodge, chased after the escapee and tackled him on the courthouse landing between the first and the second floor, the report said.
Two deputies help
By that time, two additional deputies responded to the noise, rushed to the scene and caught Hafling wrestling with Hodge on the stairway.