The Norwich courthouse is improving its security following the escape of a prisoner from the building last month.
The Hartford Courant reported that Jon Johnson, 19, was being arraigned on assault and robbery charges, among others, on November 19 when he told the judge "I can't go to jail today," and bolted from the courtroom.
Johnson jumped over a locked gate, maneuvered past marshals to the back of the court and made his way to an adjoining unlocked public defender's office. From the office, Johnson was able to get to the lobby and make his escape down an alley.
He hasn't been located.
Because of Johnson's escape, maintenance directors have installed an electronic card reader to lock the public defender's office. Additional marshals will be posted when available.
