A 70-year-old Port Townsend man was arrested at the Jefferson County Courthouse on Feb. 28 for refusing to comply with security protocol and assaulting a deputy.

Bruce Larson McDonald entered the courthouse on Cass Street, said it was a public space and would not walk through the metal detector, according to Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

McDonald then attempted to walk past the security deputy.

“From what I’ve read on this case, the man had been in the courthouse several times and was aware of the security protocol in place and that day he just decided he didn’t want to go through the metal detector,” wrote Interim Sheriff Andy Pernsteiner. “The man argued with the security deputy and “bumped” chests with him before raising his hands in a fighting stance. Then the deputy took the man to the ground where he continued to resist arrest.”

It took three to four deputies to restrain McDonald, wrote Patrol Sergeant Brett Anglin. 

Once arrested, McDonald said he made a poor judgment call.

He was charged with third-degree assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to the department.

Security screenings at the courthouse became mandatory in 2018 for anyone heading to the second floor or higher at the courthouse. 

All courthouse visitors “will be subject to screening via [metal detector], and all personal items will be subject to X-Ray search” conducted by the Sheriff’s Office, according to the county website.