Chicago Man Faces Additional Charges After Courthouse Escape Attempt

Authorities say John Richter fled from security officers while being taken into custody at the Dubois County Courthouse.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

A 37-year-old Chicago man named John Richter is facing additional charges of Escape and Resisting Law Enforcement after he allegedly attempted to flee from courthouse security officers while being taken into custody at the Dubois County Courthouse in Indiana earlier this week. Richter had previously been charged with drug-related offenses and was appearing in court for a hearing on a petition to revoke his pre-trial release when the incident occurred.

Why it matters

Courthouse security and the handling of defendants with pending criminal cases are important public safety issues, especially when it comes to preventing escape attempts that could endanger officers, court staff, and the general public. This incident raises questions about security protocols and the management of high-risk defendants in the judicial system.

The details

According to prosecutors, Richter was appearing in Dubois Superior Court on Wednesday, March 4, for a fact-finding hearing on a petition to revoke his pre-trial release in a pending case where he was charged with drug-related offenses. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge ordered Richter to be taken into custody and set an additional $15,000 cash-only bond. As courthouse security officers were taking Richter into custody, he allegedly fled from them, but was quickly apprehended on the first floor of the courthouse. As a result, prosecutors filed additional charges of Escape and Resisting Law Enforcement against Richter.

  • On March 4, 2026, Richter appeared in court for a hearing on a petition to revoke his pre-trial release.
  • On March 4, 2026, Richter allegedly fled from courthouse security officers while being taken into custody.
  • On March 5, 2026, Richter appeared in court again for an initial hearing on the new charges.

The players

John Richter

A 37-year-old Chicago man who is facing additional charges of Escape and Resisting Law Enforcement after allegedly attempting to flee from courthouse security officers.

Dubois County Prosecutor's Office

The office that filed the additional charges against Richter.

Judge Anthony Quinn

The judge presiding over Richter's cases in Dubois Superior Court.

Dubois County Courthouse Security Team

The security officers who were transporting Richter into custody when he allegedly fled.

Jasper Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the courthouse following the incident.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow John Richter out on bail again.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for robust security protocols and careful management of high-risk defendants in the judicial system to prevent potential threats to public safety, such as escape attempts from the courthouse.