Thursday, 4:30 PM
Man escapes -- briefly -- from Newton court
(Newton police photo)
Todd Corcoran allegedly staged an escape today in Newton.
By John C. Drake, Globe Staff
A 38-year-old Waltham man allegedly attacked two Newton District Court employees this afternoon and fled the courthouse.
Todd Corcoran was arrested later and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, attempted carjacking, and escape from a municipal lockup.
Police say Corcoran, who had just learned he was heading to jail, fled from the courthouse to River Street in Newton and confronted an elderly man on his porch, offering to pay the man to help him. The homeowner raised his cane and told the suspect to “back off.”
Police say Corcoran later jumped into a red pickup truck occupied by two men in their 60s. When a Newton police officer on a motorcycle saw the situation and pulled alongside the truck, Corcoran allegedly fled on foot.
Corcoran was later arrested lying under tomato plants at another home in Newton.
A 44-year-old female court officer was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital. She was injured when her head hit the courtroom’s tile floor in a struggle as the suspect attempted to flee. Her condition wasn’t immediately available.
Corcoran allegedly also pushed a 58-year-old assistant court clerk into a door. He was not injured, Lt. Bruce Apotheker, a police spokesman said.
