Timothy J. Reaggle, 20, of Wellsville, Ohio slipped free of his handcuffs within seconds of a Columbiana County judge imposing a one-year prison sentence on him Monday, allegedly punched the deputy walking him out of the courtroom, and ran for the courthouse exit before officers stopped him with a Taser. Columbiana County Sheriff Brian McLaughlin confirmed to WFMJ that both deputies involved sustained broken bones. Both have since been discharged from the hospital.
The Columbiana County Sheriff's Office released surveillance footage that captures the incident in sequence. A deputy is seen escorting Reaggle through a hallway following the sentencing when Reaggle slips his restraints, allegedly strikes the officer, and bolts. He collides with a second deputy further down the corridor, sending that officer to the floor. Bystanders visible in the footage move toward the injured officers while Reaggle continues running. He hits the courthouse steps, slides down them, and drives for the front doors. Deputies stop him there with a Taser and take him back into custody. Later in the footage, one of the deputies is seen on the ground with a head wound, holding a paper towel against his face.
The sentence Reaggle received Monday is tied to a case originating from February 14, 2025, according to WKBN. He had pleaded guilty in July to aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, aggravated menacing, failure to comply, and two misdemeanor counts of assault.
McLaughlin told WFMJ that Reaggle is being held at the Columbiana County Jail and will eventually be transferred to state prison to serve the sentence imposed Monday. New charges connected to the courthouse incident are expected. McLaughlin said those are anticipated to include assault on a police officer and felony escape.