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Chaos in Woburn District Court: Man Arrested After Pepper Spray Attack

An overview of the chaotic evacuation in Woburn District Court after a pepper spray attack.

News Summary

An unsettling incident in Woburn District Court unfolded when 28-year-old Nicholas Akerberg released pepper spray, injuring multiple officers and evacuating the lobby. His actions led to his arrest and numerous charges, including assault and battery. The courthouse was temporarily closed as Akerberg, already scheduled for a previous case, faces serious legal consequences and a mental competency evaluation. Community concerns about courthouse safety are heightened as this event marks the third serious occurrence in recent months.

Massachusetts Court Chaos: Man Arrested After Pepper Spray Incident

Woburn, Massachusetts, witnessed an alarming scene unfold on Monday morning that has left many residents shaken and curious about courthouse safety. At around 10:30 a.m., a man, later identified as 28-year-old Nicholas Akerberg from Yarmouth Port, entered the Woburn District Court wearing a gas mask. It wasn’t long before he began dispensing pepper spray in the courthouse lobby, resulting in a chaotic evacuation and serious injuries to law enforcement officers.

What Happened?

Akerberg’s actions sparked immediate alarm among the court staff and patrons. As people rushed to evacuate the building, chaos ensued. Reports indicate that at least three police officers required treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. In the midst of the pandemonium, Akerberg didn’t just stop at unleashing pepper spray—he also reportedly punched, shoved, and generally assaulted several individuals, including court officers and a Stoneham police officer who was on the scene.

The Arrest

The scene grew more intense as law enforcement struggled to restrain Akerberg. Fortunately, with the help of Stoneham police, court officers managed to use a Taser to subdue him. When authorities searched Akerberg, they found a staggering eight canisters of pepper spray and two additional smoke canisters in his possession. What was meant to be a normal court day quickly turned into a high-stakes ordeal, resulting in the temporary closure of the court for approximately three hours.

The Charges

The consequences for Akerberg are severe, with multiple charges pending against him. He is facing:

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
One count of assault
Disrupting a court proceeding
Disorderly conduct
Bomb threat
Intimidation

This alarming incident occurred on a day when Akerberg was already scheduled to appear in court regarding a previous assault case stemming from an altercation in Stoneham. In that earlier incident, he faced accusations of pepper-spraying two officers and attempting to assault another during the booking process.

Legal Precedents and Implications

Akerberg was ordered held without bail, and authorities revoked his bail from prior cases. As a key part of his upcoming legal journey, he will undergo a mental competency evaluation. Court officials have set his next court appearance for May 2, where he will likely face the repercussions of both this and previous incidents.

A Worthy Cause for Concern

Woburn’s District Attorney weighed in on the situation, expressing that such acts are not just personal assaults but attacks on the integrity of the justice system itself. It’s vital to remember that courthouses are places meant to uphold law and order, and incidents like this undermine that purpose. Disturbingly, this event marks the third serious occurrence in a courthouse in just under two months.

Resuming Court Proceedings

Despite the chaos, court officials managed to resume several proceedings a few hours after the incident, including Akerberg’s arraignment. Witnesses described the evacuation as a chaotic scene, with fear palpable in the air as officers urged everyone to leave the area as quickly as possible.

As Woburn residents reflect on this disconcerting episode, one thing is clear: the need for safety measures in courthouses is more pressing than ever. The community looks on with concern, hoping to see justice served not just in courtrooms but also regarding the well-being of all who enter them.