LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- WDRB News has obtained video of a dramatic struggle that took place inside a Louisville courtroom as a suspect attempted to escape Monday morning.
It happened shortly after 10:15 in Division 9 of Jefferson County Circuit Court.
According to a criminal citation, 41-year-old Kristopher Bacanskas was scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on a wanton endangerment charge. While in a holdover cell, Bacanskas allegedly bolted through the door and into the courtroom, interrupting a hearing.
Surveillance video of the courtroom captured the ensuing chaos. Several sheriff's deputies can be seen trying to subdue Bacanskas. One woman could be seen climbing over a bench set up for spectators in an attempt to get away.
"I'm pushing the red button," said Judge Judith McDonald-Burkman. "Come on Mike! Help, somebody."
"My brother needs me out there!" Bacanskas could be heard shouting.
"Relax. Relax. Relax or we're gonna taze you," shouts one law enforcement officer. "Relax or we're gonna taze you, man. It's gonna get worse!"
"It's very bad," Bacanskas replied.
One law enforcement officer could be heard shouting: "We've got another inmate back there, Mike...the jail is open. The jail is open. The jail is open back there in the back."
"Alright I'm cool," said Bacanskas, sounding calmer.
"No you're not," a law enforcement officer replied.
"Yes I am. Get off me!" Bacanskas said.
"You're not going anywhere, son," said a law enforcement officer. "So just relax. You're not going anywhere."
Bacanskas was not tazed, according to court sources. As he was being escorted out, he made a verbal appeal:
"Judge, I'm begging you: get them charges dropped..."
"The judge is not in here, sir," a law enforcement officer replied.
"That's really not the way to get your charges dropped," laughed one law enforcement officer as Bacanskas was walked through the door.
Two deputies received minor injuries and one officer's uniform trousers were damaged during the struggle, according to a citation.
Bacanskas was charged with assault, escape, menacing and criminal mischief.
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