Man Accused Of Trying Courtroom Escape Enters Plea

A 23-year-old Missoula man accused of trying to escape from the courtroom while making an initial appearance on theft and burglary charges was back in court Thursday, and this time he went through with the hearing.

Jonathan George Graves pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been in custody since Dec. 10 on charges of burglary, theft, two counts of violating conditions of release, resisting arrest and two felony warrants in Lake County.

Authorities say Graves assaulted an officer in Justice Court on Dec. 22 and ran from the courtroom. A court officer used a stun gun to stop Graves and physically restrained him, along with a Montana Highway Patrol trooper.

Graves now faces additional charges for the thwarted escape.

Associated Press