December 9, 2010 Courthouse scuffle leads to arrest www.privateofficer.com
COLUMBUS, Ind.Dec 9 2010 — A Columbus man wanted on theft charges scuffled with authorities at Bartholomew County Courthouse Wednesday after a security officer tried to arrest him, according to Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.
Darren K. Rayford Jr., 19, of Columbus, forcibly pulled away from Security Officer Joe Whipker and ran down the steps from the third floor of the courthouse after Whipker handcuffed him and placed him under arrest on a warrant for the theft charges, the sheriff’s department said.
As Rayford fled to the second floor, Juvenile Probation Officer Keith Prior saw the situation and stopped Rayford. After a brief scuffle, Whipker, with the assistance of Prior, regained control of Rayford.
Whipker sustained an injury to his hand during the scuffle. He received treatment by medics at the courthouse.
Rayford aggravated a wound he already had during the scuffle and was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital for treatment. He was booked into Bartholomew County Jail upon his release from the hospital.
Rayford had been attending a hearing in Bartholomew Superior Court II when the sheriff’s department received information that an active warrant was out for his arrest.
The warrant, issued Monday, charges Rayford with two counts of theft and one count of receiving stolen property, all Class D felonies.
Following the courthouse incident, Rayford also was charged preliminarily with resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor; battery on a law enforcement officer resulting in injury, a Class D felony; and attempted escape, a Class C felony.
He is being held at the jail in lieu of $50,000 bond.
Bartholomew County Sheriff Mark Gorbett commended Prior with his assistance to Whipker.
“Our officers are faced with these types of situations routinely,” Gorbett said. “His prompt intervention is very much appreciated by members of the sheriff’s office.”
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