Arrest after prisoner rushed in court

A Markham man is facing charges after a prisoner facing sentencing was assaulted by a member of the public in the courthouse gallery.

Just before 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, Durham police were providing security during a sentencing hearing. According to police, a male suspect sitting in the public gallery leapt over the partition wall and advanced on the prisoner being sentenced. The protective glass around the prisoner was damaged by the suspect before he was tackled to the ground by the constables in the courtroom.

Police say one of the constables was assaulted when he and the other officers tried to restrain the suspect.

The constable sustained minor injuries that did not require immediate medical attention.

A 29-year-old male of Walden Street in Markham has been charged with assault and mischief under $5,000 in connection with this incident.