A Texas man caused a scene in court and has been jailed after threatening a magistrate and attacking police officers, police said.
What Happened in Court
During a bond hearing in Houston on Friday, 27‑year‑old Mauricio Barboza became angry in front of hearing officer Lisa Porter. Local TV station KTRK caught the moment on camera.
Barboza started dancing in the courtroom before he turned to Porter and called her a “b—.” He then reportedly said, “I will have your head.”
After those threats, Barboza began grappling with detention officers and injured one of them.
At the time, he was in court after being arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief.
What Led to the Arrest
Houston police were first called around 11 a.m. Thursday to the area of Westheimer Road near Shadowbriar Drive. Someone had reported a man shouting and waving a hammer around. By the time officers got there, the man was gone.
According to court papers, the same man — later identified as Barboza — then threatened a day‑care worker who was taking out the trash. He got within 4 feet of her, raised a hammer over his head, and threatened to kill her if she came any closer.
After that, Barboza went to a Lowe’s store. There, police say he picked up a hammer and caused about $10,000 worth of damage by hitting security cameras in the parking lot. When a loss‑prevention officer came out to stop him, Barboza raised the hammer again and said, “I’m going to kill you.”
Arrest and Jail
Police arrested Barboza near the day care after the chaos began. A neighbour, Tara Woods, told KTRK she saw officers chase him down:
“He comes running down the street. The police were right behind him, chasing, chasing, chasing. And a lady cop said, ‘Stop, stop, stop!’”
Barboza reportedly tried to hop a fence, but officers caught him, put him in handcuffs, and took him to jail.
He is now being held at the Harris County Jail with bond set at $75,000. Hearing officer Porter wrote in a bond motion that “This person is a danger to the community.”
Barboza’s next court date is set for February 26.
