Prisoner Breaks Handcuffs, KO's Deputy in Bizarre Attempt To Escape Courthouse After Sentencing

A 20-year-old Ohio man broke free from his handcuffs, punched a courthouse deputy and attempted to escape moments after being sentenced to a year in prison.

Timothy J. Reaggle, of Wellsville, was being escorted from the Columbiana County Common Pleas Court in Lisbon on Monday when the incident unfolded.

Video released by the Columbiana County Sheriff's Office appears to show Reaggle breaking out of his handcuffs before turning around and punching security bailiff Keith Thorn, knocking him to the floor.

Reaggle then sprinted down the second-floor hallway, where he collided with another security bailiff, Steve Boyd, sending him to the ground. He continued towards the courthouse stairwell as deputies pursued him.

According to local reports, Deputy Sheriff Nick Rusyn chased Reaggle down the stairs before he was confronted by Deputy Sheriff Coltan Vollnogle and Sheriff's Office Detective Jesse Smith.

Reaggle initially broke free from the officers before Rusyn used a Taser. He was eventually wrestled to the ground near the courthouse security station and taken back into custody.

Two Bailiffs Injured in Attack

Both Thorn and Boyd were taken to hospital after the incident. Sheriff Brian McLaughlin said the two bailiffs suffered broken bones and were later released, although neither was able to return to work the following day.

Thorn reportedly suffered injuries to his face and head. Witnesses said people inside the courthouse rushed to help him after the attack.

Leland Monte, who was waiting in the courthouse with his father, said he saw Reaggle manipulating his handcuffs before breaking free.

'Just a crazy situation. I was really concerned for the officer. All I was thinking about was if the sheriff was okay,' Monte said.

Reaggle had been released on bond before appearing for his sentencing hearing. He was reportedly crying as he was escorted from the courtroom.

The attempted escape occurred shortly after Judge Scott Washam sentenced him to 12 months in prison.

New Charges Could Follow

Reaggle had pleaded guilty in July to several reduced charges connected to a 14 February 2025 incident in St Clair Township.

The charges included third-degree felony aggravated burglary, fourth-degree felony aggravated assault, misdemeanour failure to comply with an order or signal from police, aggravated menacing and two counts of assault. The original charges were more serious before being reduced as part of the plea agreement.

According to court reports, prosecutors had sought a 15-month prison sentence, while Reaggle's defence requested community control. Judge Washam ultimately imposed a 12-month term.

During the earlier incident, Reaggle was accused of assaulting three people. One man told authorities that Reaggle had held a knife to his neck and threatened him before fleeing from police.

The courthouse incident could now lead to additional charges. Sheriff's officials said the case will be presented to a grand jury rather than charges being filed immediately.

Potential charges include two counts of felony assault against police officers, felony escape and resisting arrest.

Reaggle remains in the Columbiana County Jail and is expected to be transported to state prison to begin serving his one-year sentence while the investigation continues.