(KRON) — A public defender was seriously injured after being attacked outside the Sonoma County Courthouse by a former client on Thursday who then robbed him, said the Santa Rosa Police Department.
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SRPD said officers went to the area of Fiscal and Administration drives at 12:37 p.m. to investigate a report of a physical assault.
“Upon arrival, officers determined that the victim — a Sonoma County Public Defender — had been assaulted outside the Sonoma County Courthouse by a former client,” said Santa Rosa PD in a news release. “The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Leon Simms, struck the victim multiple times in the face, causing significant injuries. Simms also made verbal threats of further violence and kidnapping and stole property from the victim.”
Santa Rosa police said Simms was soon stopped by Sonoma County probation officers before he drove away from the scene. The victim was treated at a nearby hospital and released.
Police confirmed their Violent Crimes Investigation Team took over the case and confirmed that Simms was arrested after a traffic stop Friday. A search warrant at Simms’ home recovered the victim’s stolen property, said police.
Simms was booked into the Sonoma County Jail where he faces several charges, including robbery, attempted kidnapping, criminal threats, and battery causing serious injury.
This remains an active case. Anyone with information is encouraged to submit a tip at www.srcity.org/CrimeTips.
Source:: News San Francisco – KRON 4
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