Massachusetts man arrested after pepper spraying multiple officers inside courthouse

WOBURN, Mass. (WLNE) — A Massachusetts man was arrested after he allegedly pepper sprayed multiple officers inside the Woburn Courthouse on April 14, according to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan.

28-year-old Nicholas Akerberg, of Yarmouth Port, was charged with six counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, five counts of assault and battery on a public employee, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, assault, disrupting a court proceeding, disorderly conduct, bomb threat, and intimidation.

Around 10:30 a.m., Akerberg entered the courthouse lobby wearing a helmet and gas mask. After police attempted to stop the defendant from entering, he allegedly released pepper spray at multiple court officers, a police officer, and an assistant district attorney. According to Ryan, he also allegedly assaulted multiple people.

To arrest the defendant, police released a taser and were able to control the situation.

Ryan said investigation showed the defendant allegedly had eight pepper spray canisters and two smoke canisters.

According to WCVB, Akerberg was due to appear in court on Monday for allegedly pepper spraying another officer and assaulting an elderly man last year.

Akerberg was arraigned later that day, with his lawyer describing him as “sounding completely deranged,” and adding that he is mentally ill, according to WCVB.

According to Ryan, Akerberg, two court officers, and a police officer were taken to the hospital after the incident, but have since been released.

Woburn District Court was evacuated during the incident and later reopened that day.