A man suspected of multiple stabbings in central Illinois has been removed from a courtroom after reportedly spitting at a judge.
The Bloomington Pantagraph reports 35-year-old Jason L. Hopkins appeared in court Thursday for his arraignment. He faces attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault in connection with attacks on three people earlier this month in downtown Bloomington.
The newspaper reports Hopkins spit at Judge Scott Drazewski after a brief hearing where a mental exam was ordered for Hopkins.
Deputies put Hopkins on the floor and removed him from the room. No injuries were reported.
Court hearings were delayed as Drazewski left to change his robe. Workers were called to clean the bench.
The newspaper says the Aug. 19 stabbing victims include a Pantagraph employee and a tourist from Germany.
