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Defendant Attempts to Flee Courtroom, Captured After Brief Chase

A man who appeared in Mercer County Common Pleas Court for sentencing on Wednesday sparked a brief courthouse chase after attempting to flee custody, authorities said.

According to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred after Judge Matt Fox remanded 33 year old Kyle Poplaski to the custody of deputies following his sentencing on charges related to a prior fleeing and eluding case. When a deputy approached to handcuff him, Poplaski allegedly pushed away, ran from the courtroom on the third floor, and shoved a woman in the hallway as he fled.

Deputies immediately radioed for assistance. Another deputy stationed on the first floor of the courthouse attempted to stop Poplaski using a Taser, but only one of the probes made contact, allowing him to continue toward the south exit.

Outside the courthouse, deputies deployed a second Taser, successfully subduing the suspect after a brief struggle. He was taken into custody and transported toward the Mercer County Jail.

While en route, Poplaski reportedly experienced seizure-like activity. Deputies took him to Mercer Health for evaluation. He was treated and released around 7:30 p.m., then booked into the Mercer County Jail.

The Sheriff’s Office said it is working with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office to determine additional charges, which are expected to include escape and possible assault.

No serious injuries were reported during the incident.