RUSK — A Rusk man ordered into custody tried to leave the Cherokee County Courthouse during a court appearance Tuesday morning, leading to a “brief struggle” with authorities.

Krystopher Michael Free, 26, was at a probation hearing in the 369th courtroom when Judge Michael Davis ordered Free to be taken into custody. 

Free tried to leave the courtroom when a bailiff was taking him into custody. This led to a “brief struggle,” according to Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson, but ultimately Cherokee County deputies and the bailiff were able to to take Free into custody.

One bailiff was hurt during the altercation, but the injuries are minor, Dickson said. 

Free also had a minor injury and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He was medically cleared and booked into the Cherokee County Jail. He has been charged with assault of a public servant, evading arrest, and resisting arrest.