Nicholas Carter, 31, fled the Somerset County Superior Courthouse after being found guilty of aggravated assault against a 1-year-old child. However, his escape attempt was cut short when two jurors and a detective intervened.
Nicholas Carter, a 31-year-old Maine man, attempted to flee a courthouse in Skowhegan while in handcuffs after being convicted of assaulting a 1-year-old child. Carter's brazen escape attempt was foiled by two jurors and a detective who witnessed his actions.
Maine Man Convicted of Child Assault Attempts to Escape Courthouse in Handcuffs, Thwarted by Jurors
According to the Portland Press Herald, Carter was found guilty of aggravated assault against a 1-year-old child after a three-day trial at the Somerset County Superior Courthouse. Despite being in handcuffs, Carter managed to jump a bar and exit through the rear door of the second-floor courtroom, which is typically used by the public to enter and exit the gallery.
A detective who was present in the courtroom immediately gave chase as Carter ran down the staircase towards the first floor of the courthouse. Surveillance footage captured the chaotic scene as Carter, still handcuffed, ran through a hallway while outpacing a lawyer who attempted to stop him.
Maine Man Convicted of Child Assault Attempts to Escape Courthouse in Handcuffs, Thwarted by Jurors
As Carter reached the main entrance of the courthouse, he bolted outside with multiple people in pursuit. He was then observed running across a parking lot and a street before eventually tripping and falling in a nearby yard. Two bystanders, who happened to be jurors in Carter's trial, immediately apprehended him until the detective arrived on the scene.
Carter was subsequently taken back into custody and now faces an additional charge of escape in connection with the incident. A sentencing hearing for Carter's aggravated assault conviction is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
Maine Man Convicted of Child Assault Attempts to Escape Courthouse in Handcuffs, Thwarted by Jurors
The incident highlights the potential security risks associated with courthouse proceedings, particularly when dealing with dangerous individuals. Carter's escape attempt, though ultimately unsuccessful, raises questions about the adequacy of security measures in place and the need for increased vigilance in such environments.
* Carter's assault on the 1-year-old child reportedly occurred in 2021.
Maine Man Convicted of Child Assault Attempts to Escape Courthouse in Handcuffs, Thwarted by Jurors
* The child sustained serious injuries, including head trauma, and required hospitalization.
* During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Carter was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the assault.
* Carter had a prior criminal record, including convictions for drug possession and theft.
* The courthouse where the incident occurred has been the subject of previous security concerns, including reports of inadequate staffing and limited surveillance capabilities.
* Authorities are investigating how Carter managed to free himself from the handcuffs during his escape attempt.
* The two jurors who assisted in apprehending Carter have been praised for their bravery and quick thinking. They expressed their shock at witnessing such an incident and emphasized the importance of maintaining order and safety in courtrooms.
