A 24-year-old city man fled from the Norwich courthouse Tuesday when a probation officer attempted to take him into custody, running through the crowded lobby with judicial marshals in pursuit. 

Michael A. Vicente-Mendoza's shirt was ripped off his body when somebody attempted to stop him. Shirtless, he ran out the front door and headed west on Main Street toward Washington Street, according to witnesses.

Vicente-Mendoza returned to the courthouse a short time later and was taken into custody, processed and released on bond, according to court officials. He was charged with violation of probation and is due back in court on Wednesday.

The ruckus frightened people who were gathered in the first-floor lobby shortly before 10 a.m., waiting for the courtroom to open.

"I was terrified," said Allie Bartolucci. "I didn't have time to run."

Vicente-Mendoza is on probation for a 2017 conviction for third-degree assault and second-degree unlawful restraint, according to court records. He has pending charges of breach of peace, driving with a suspended license and using a cell phone while driving.