![Kevin Briggs Explains Escape During Trial Testimony](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2015/08/Kevin-Briggs-630x354.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Kevin Briggs Explains Escape During Trial Testimony
Friday began the second phase of the Kevin Briggs trial, and the defense team took its turn calling witnesses to the stand-- starting with Kevin Briggs himself.
The public defender went through the morning of February first, 2014 when Briggs allegedly tried to have sex with a woman against her will, fought with police officers and escaped from the Law and Justice Center.
Briggs claimed the the victim he's accused of raping attacked him, and he was defending himself.
"I wasn't trying to hurt her, but I still felt terrible," he said.
His lawyer asked Briggs about his reported fight and attempt to run when police arrested him.
"My head was swimming at that point," he said, "but I believe at some point I tried to run away from him."
Then, questions about the interview room and his alleged escape.
That part of the story was caught on surveillance.
Listening to sound from video in the interview room, you can hear Briggs call out, "officer" after he moves toward the door.
Moments later, you can hear the door creaking slowly open.
Briggs claimed Friday he was going to ask for help, when he took the opportunity to leave instead.
"Nobody answered, and then I left," he said.
His defense attorney then asked, "What was your understanding at that point in time as to whether you should leave or had the authority to leave?"
After a pause, Briggs answered, "I knew that I wasn't supposed to leave."
Once the defense was through questioning Briggs, the prosecution began cross examination, trying to paint the picture that Briggs was deliberate in his actions.
The state wrapped up their side of the case on Thursday before the defense took over on Friday.
The trial is expected to continue into next week.
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