A Norton woman, accused of threatening to stab a prosecutor in Barberton Municipal Court, is facing several charges.
Terryl Baker, 47, is charged with felony retaliation, along with inducing panic, and carrying a concealed weapon which are misdemeanors.
Barberton Police Chief Vince Morber said Baker was the alleged victim in a domestic violence case and was in court around 9:20 Thursday morning for a hearing.
Police said during the proceedings she became agitated and started screaming at the judge and the prosecutor. At one point, she made a threat to stab the prosecutor, but didn't display a knife, Morber said.
"She frightened a lot of people," Morber added.
She left the second floor courtroom with a victim's assistance employee and exited the building, according to investigators.
Police officers, who are also stationed in the building, were notified and arrested Baker in a nearby alley. They found a concealed folding knife with a 3-inch blade in her purse.
According to the police report, Baker continued to state she was was going to "stab that (expletive) prosecutor" during the booking process.
The report also indicates Baker said she suffers from Bipolar disorder and admitted she is an alcoholic.
Chief Morber said the incident highlights the need for great security measures.
There are no metal detectors in the municipal building.
Morber said several city officials have lobbied for security upgrades for several years. Barberton leaders are hoping to land technology grants through the Ohio Supreme Court to pay for metal detectors.
However, Morber believes what the city really needs is a new municipal building.
"We had a lady with a weapon in the courtroom. That's, wow! We read about the bad things across the nation. It could have happened in our backyard. We need a new building. We need to have better security measures," he said.
Baker appeared in Barberton Municipal Court on Friday afternoon. Her bond was set at $250,000 and she was booked into the Summit County Jail.
