NATION : Bailiff, Accused Shot in Struggle
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PLANTATION KEY, Fla. — A court bailiff and a man being arraigned on traffic charges were wounded in a courtroom struggle today after the man pulled a gun, a spokeswoman said.
The shooting occurred in the courtroom of Monroe County Judge William Ptomey, who was hearing misdemeanor traffic cases.
Peter Anderson, 22, of Miami was to be arraigned on drunken driving and related charges, but when his name was called, he handed a dead flower to Assistant State Atty. Leo Bueno.
When asked why, Anderson allegedly said the charges were ridiculous and pulled a .38-caliber revolver from inside his waistband.
Bailiff Ron Dowmond, 62, attempted to grab the gun, but it went off, wounding the bailiff in the hand and grazing Anderson’s neck and cheek.
Anderson was jailed on charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery, carrying a firearm in a courtroom and reckless display of a firearm.
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