WOBURN, Mass. — Woburn District Court was evacuated on Monday morning after a man walked in and sprayed pepper spray inside.
According to Woburn Police, a male suspect walked toward the courthouse for a Stoneham case that originated approximately a year ago, with a helmet, gasmask, tactical boots, sunglasses, and Capstun aerosol.
A court officer tried preventing him from entering the building.
Once inside, the man, identified as 28-year-old Nicholas Akerberg of Yarmouth Port, then began spraying multiple court officers, a Stoneham police officer and an assistant district attorney, officials said.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan’s Office says Akerberg then punched, shoved and assaulted multiple individuals. He was eventually subdued by officers using a Taser.
According to authorities, Akerberg had eight cannisters of pepper spray and two smoke cannisters in his possession.
Akerberg was arrested and transported to a hospital. He is charged with six counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, five counts of assault and battery on a public employee, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, assault, disrupting a court proceeding, disorderly conduct, bomb threat and intimidation.
One Stoneham officer was transported to the hospital after being sprayed with Capstun. Two other court officers were also transported for their injuries. All three have since been released.
“I want to condemn today’s attack on the Court, the Court staff and the Justice system in the strongest possible terms,” District Attorney Marian Ryan said. “Courts are sacred, hallowed places....The rule of law is not a fancy academic concept, it is the foundation of our democracy. Anyone who desecrates these sacred places will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Akerberg was arraigned on Monday afternoon and held pending a dangerousness hearing. His bail was also revoked on open cases before Woburn District Court, though details of those cases were not immediately available.
Akerberg was also ordered to undergo a competency evaluation. He will be back in court on May 2.
Woburn Court reopened at 2 p.m. and the incident is under investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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