A Columbus man is facing charges during an outburst in court that left equipment damaged and a deputy prosecutor slightly injured.

Judy Jackson, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman, says that at approximately 10 a.m. Thursday, deputies were called to Superior Court II at the county courthouse. She says that 20-year-old Jordan Rhodes, of 465 Clifty Drive, appeared 90-minutes late for his hearing on a probation violation charge. Authorities say that Rhoades’ language become obscene, leading to Judge Kathleen Coriden holding him in contempt of court. Police say that Rhodes continued to be verbally abusive, leading the judge to level a second contempt charge against him.

Following sentencing, Jackson says that Rhoades began throwing chairs as he was leaving the courtroom. One of those chairs reportedly destroyed a computer monitor, while another hit a deputy prosecutor in the leg, slightly injuring him.

Authorities say that after Rhodes left the courtroom, he sat on a bench in the hallway for several minutes. When Rhodes tried to leave the courthouse, he was detained by court security and arrested on preliminary charges of Attempted Battery on a Public Official and Battery on a Public Official, both Level 6 felonies. In addition, several misdemeanor charges will be sent to the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Sheriff Matthew A. Myers says that his office, which is responsible for security at the courthouse, takes this incident “very seriously.” He adds that his office and the judges have a Safety Committee that meets quarterly. “All current policies and procedures will be reviewed and we will make changes if necessary,” said the Sheriff. “Superior II is Bartholomew County’s busiest court. Judge Coriden sees more people than our other courts. I am surprised we have not seen more incidents in her courtroom,” Myers added.