Murder Defendant Throws Chair in L.A. Court, Hits Detective

An L.A. police detective was hit in the head and upper body Wednesday when a defendant in a murder case threw a chair in court, also clipping a prosecutor, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The female detective was struck during a 10:30 a.m. hearing when the defendant, identified as Jesus Mendez, grabbed a chair and tossed it about 15 feet, authorities said.

The attack unfolded in Department 134 in the downtown criminal courts. It was unclear how Mendez was able to get free and grab the chair.

The blow knocked down the detective, whose name was not released. She was treated at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, according to Los Angeles Police Cmdr. Andrew Smith.