By Donna Hales
Phoenix Staff Writer
—
First Assistant District Attorney Jeff Sheridan jumped out of the jury box and over the gate leading to the courtroom to chase a felon Tuesday.
Timothy Edward Tozer of Okmulgee had gone to court without an attorney and fled when a judge told Tozer his bond was being revoked and to sit down.
Special District Judge Robin Adair told Tozer to sit while Adair called a court-appointed attorney, but Tozer, 42, fled with Adair yelling “halt.”
As Tozer fled the courtroom, two deputies gave chase, along with Muskogee County District Attorney Larry Moore and Sheridan.
“By the time I got to the top of the (second floor) stairs, he was through the sheriff’s office and out the side doors of the courthouse,” Adair said.
“He ran in front of the federal courthouse, the Civic Center and behind it.”
Deputy Coletta Peyton abandoned her vehicle and wrestled Tozer to the ground at Fifth Street and Columbus Avenue. Peyton was treated at Muskogee Regional Medical Center for a bruised elbow as a result of the takedown.
Tozer had been released from the Muskogee County/City Detention Facility on Saturday after posting a $30,000 bond, records reflect. He was back in jail before noon Tuesday — held without bond.
He had been in court Tuesday for a date to be set for a preliminary hearing on five felonies, including attempting to elude a police officer.
Moore said possible charges include Adair charging Tozer with direct contempt of court and Moore charging him with escape from detention, since the judge had revoked his bond and told him to sit down. Other possibilities will be considered when all the reports about the incident are received, Moore said.
Reach Donna Hales at 684-2923 or dhales@muskogeephoenix.com.
