Inmate attacks another in court
An inmate with a history of mental illness exploded in rage while being sentenced Thursday in District Court.
Inmate Ryan Thorsen stood before Judge Michael Villani and said he was a witness and had a message.
Thorsen then shouted, "Hitler said you would feel his wrath."
With his arms and legs shackled, the 22-year-old then turned to the inmate to his left, spit on and jumped on him, flailing around and screaming his Hitler message.
Courthouse marshals subdued him and dragged him from the courtroom. Thorsen continued to shout, "Hitler said you would feel his wrath."
Thorsen was supposed to be sentenced for battery by a prisoner for attacking a corrections officer.
Since pleading guilty to two counts of assault with a deadly weapon in 2007 for stabbing a woman and a 13-year-old girl with a hypodermic needle at the Fremont Street Experience, Thorsen has been charged at least three times for attacking and attempting to attack corrections officers.
Public Defender Alexander Hubert said Thursday that Thorsen has a history of mental illness.
Doctors have attempted to determine whether Thorsen is mentally competent.
Some have told the court yes, others no, according to court records. Other doctors said it can't be determined because Thorsen won't cooperate.
Judges have on several occasions admonished Thorsen for not taking his medication, court records said.
Thorsen repeatedly has been sent to Lake's Crossing, Nevada's mental health institution, only to have doctors there tell the court he is competent, according to court records.
When in jail, court records indicate Thorsen is kept in isolation.
As recently as June, a doctor told the court Thorsen is competent.
He is expected to be brought back to District Court for another attempt at sentencing Oct. 6.
The inmate who Thorsen spit and jumped on was not injured.
It was not known whether Thorsen will face further charges because of Thursday's incident.
Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.
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