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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Courthouse watch: 6.18.09

The man accused of starting a wild tussle in Spokane Municipal Court made a terrible decision and feels awful, his public defender said Thursday.

Micah W. Hasselstrom, 34, was scared of going to jail and panicked when Judge Tracy Staab said he was going there during a hearing Wednesday morning, his lawyer told Spokane County Superior Court Judge Ellen Kalama Clark.

Hasselstrom tried running, but his lawyer grabbed him, sparking a brawl that ended with Hasselstrom, a deputy and three lawyers falling onto a bench of bystanders.

A 68-year-old woman suffered severe bruising and scrapes on her ankle and leg when the group fell on her, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in court today. Read the original story here.

"It was a dumb move," Hasselstrom's lawyer said. "I think he acknowledges that now."

The state asked for $20,000 bond, but Clark imposed $5,000, noting Hasselstrom's lack of a felony record and the dates of his misdemeanor convictions.

Bond for his no contact order violation is at $100,000, according to jail records.



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