An inmate at the St. Joseph County Jail is facing multiple charges after allegedly attacking a public defender during a video court hearing.

It happened on Friday, June 13.

Authorities say Edward Ray Randolph, while waiting for his hearing in the jail’s courtroom, suddenly stood up and assaulted a Deputy Public Defender  who was representing inmates during a virtual session.

According to incident reports, Randolph struck the attorney in the face, shouted “I’m going to kill you,” and then forced his head into a plastic chair. Jail officers intervened immediately. Randolph resisted arrest and had to be tased before he was brought under control. As officers escorted him from the courtroom, he also attempted to kick two of them.

The public defender was treated by the jail nurse and sustained a visible red mark on his face.

Following the incident, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office charged Randolph with four offenses: battery resulting in bodily injury (Class A misdemeanor), battery resulting in moderate bodily injury (Level 6 felony), intimidation (Level 6 felony), and resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor).

Randolph is being held pending a bail hearing. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 17.