COAL TOWNSHIP - An accused murderer who took a tumble down a courthouse stairway was back on the block Wednesday.
Robert Charles Thomas Sr., 68, of Milton, was being led down steep stairs connecting second floor courtrooms to a holding cell in the sheriff's department when he fell, crashing down approximately 20 metal steps.
Trisha Kelley, the prison's public information officer, confirmed Thomas was evaluated and had studies done at Sunbury Community Hospital Wednesday. He was returned to the Northumberland County Prison block of SCI-Coal Township later that day.
Sheriff Robert Wolfe, who had been following Thomas down the stairs, said he landed on his back. He was then placed in a neckbrace and on a backboard and taken by Americus Ambulance to the hospital.
Thomas had been in court to ask for a transfer to a county prison while awaiting trial on criminal homicide charges.