ROBERT L. BRIDGES, III

On Tuesday at 9 a. m., Hillsborough County Jail inmate, Robert L. Bridges, III, 24, was in custody and sitting inside Judge Martha Cook’s courtroom waiting for his case to be called on unrelated felony charges. Bridges was secured with leg shackles as well as handcuffed in front with an attached waist chain.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant, Tracey Wallace, along with a pair of bailiffs, were in the courtroom in full uniform providing security when Bridges reportedly lunged forward with both hands, and grabbed Wallace’s firearm.

Wallace took defensive action ad was able to prevent Bridges from pulling her firearm from her holster. Two other deputies helped Wallace restrain Bridges, and removed him from the courtroom. He was taken to a holding cell.