Paris, Tenn.–A Paris man is being sought on charges of assault on an officer, escape and resisting arrest after he tussled with a deputy who is a Henry County Courthouse security officer.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Michael A. Tharpe, age 49, of Depot St.
According to the report, Tharpe was sitting in the courthouse hallway when he was spotted by Deputy Ed Fitzgerald, who knew that Tharpe was wanted for arrest.
Tharpe told Fitzgerald he was there for court, but Fitzgerald said in the report that Tharpe was not on the list included in the court docket. After Fitzgerald realized that Tharpe was already wanted, he approached Tharpe with handcuffs, at which point Tharpe pushed him away.
According to the report, Fitzgerald tripped Tharpe and the two ended up tussling on the floor. Tharpe then ran to the basement of the courthouse and exited the side door.
Fitzgerald said in the report he incurred a twisted knee and neck stiffness.