WATCH: Handcuffed inmate breaks free, punches deputy in wild courthouse escape attempt

Ohio inmate bursts out of handcuffs, attacks deputies, and is recaptured after courthouse assault

Wellsville, Ohio – On Monday, a routine sentencing hearing at the Columbiana County Courthouse turned into a violent episode when 20‑year‑old Timothy J. Reaggle, a Wellsville native, broke free of his restraints, struck two deputies, and fled down the courthouse hallway before being subdued.

Reaggle had just been sentenced to one year in state prison for a February 14, 2025, burglary case that he had entered a guilty plea for in July. In that case he faced charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, aggravated menacing, failure to comply, and two misdemeanor assault counts. The sentencing followed his admission of guilt, and officials said the judge had imposed the prison term shortly after the hearing.

The incident was captured on security video that the sheriff’s office released after the event. A deputy was escorting Reaggle through the courthouse’s hallway when the man apparently slipped his handcuffs, punched the deputy, and then sprinted away. The video shows him colliding with a second deputy, sending the officer to the floor. Reaggle then made a frantic dash toward the courthouse exit, sliding down the steps and racing toward the front doors before being tackled and sprayed with a Taser by other deputies.

Two officers were injured in the assault. Sheriff Brian McLaughlin told WFMJ that the deputies suffered broken bones, but the injuries have since been treated and the officers have been released from the hospital. One of the officers was seen on the scene bleeding from the head and holding a paper towel to his face.

“Both deputies suffered broken bones but have since been released from the hospital,” McLaughlin said. He added that Reaggle is currently being held at the Columbiana County Jail and will ultimately be transported to a state prison. The sheriff also said that the inmate faces additional charges related to the courthouse incident, including assault on a police officer and felony escape.

Reaggle’s arrest followed a month‑long period of legal proceedings. The former burglar had previously been sentenced to a year in prison for the February 14 case, but the incident at the courthouse suggests he may be facing further prosecution. His legal team has not yet issued a statement regarding the new charges.

The courthouse security footage was promptly shared with the public, and law enforcement officials confirmed that the video was taken from cameras within the courthouse’s interior. The footage has sparked discussions about courthouse security protocols and the handling of inmates who are already sentenced but still present at the courthouse for administrative purposes.

Officials say the incident was contained quickly. “We were able to subdue him before anyone else was seriously injured,” said Sheriff McLaughlin. The deputies who were injured were taken to local medical facilities for treatment and are expected to recover fully.

Reaggle’s case highlights the challenges faced by local law enforcement in managing inmates who remain in court facilities for various administrative reasons. The sheriff’s office has not yet detailed any changes to policy in response to this event, but it has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of court staff and the public.

The incident will be added to Reaggle’s criminal record, potentially affecting his sentencing and future parole considerations. He is currently awaiting further legal proceedings that could see additional charges for assault on law enforcement officers and escape from custody.