Man Attempts to Escape After Third Strike Conviction
A 39-year-old Pacoima burglar who had just heard a jury find him guilty of a third strike offense punched a bailiff in the face and tried to escape from the courthouse Tuesday.
The bailiff and two LAPD officers who happened to be on hand helped subdue Steve Silvas.
“Everybody was shocked and startled,†said Alisanne Scolnick, the deputy district attorney handling the case. “I’ve seen defendants stand up in court--but never attempt to escape.â€
Silvas faced a sentence of 35 years to life after being convicted of his third house burglary, Scolnick said.
The incident occurred just before noon in North Valley Superior Court before Judge Charles Peven, said Los Angeles County sheriff’s Sgt. David Holm.
After the jury read the verdict, Silvas jumped over the rail and ran to the back of the courtroom, where he was tackled by Deputy Peter Mulryan--a 20-year veteran--according to authorities. During a brief struggle, Silvas punched Mulryan twice in the face and burst out the door.
Mulryan chased Silvas into the hallway where Mulryan and two police officers, who were waiting to testify in different cases, pepper-sprayed and arrested Silvas. Mulryan was treated for a bloody nose and a forehead bruise, Holm said. Silvas was treated at the scene for the effects of pepper spray.
In addition to the pending sentence for burglary, Silvas now also faces charges of assault on a peace officer and escape, Holm said.
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