Hopkins spits on judge during arraignment for attempted murder charges

Posted on August 27, 2015
Jason Hopkins
(Photo courtesy McLean County Jail)

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – A man accused of stabbing two people and beating another person in downtown Bloomington earlier this month spit at a judge during his arraignment Thursday.

Jason Hopkins, 35, spit at Judge Scott Drazewski during his arraignment on charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault. The charges stem from an incident on Aug. 19 where Hopkins allegedly attacked three people.

Hopkins was restrained by security personnel after the incident. Drazewski was not harmed, but had to change his robe before proceeding.

Hopkins pleaded not guilty and will appear in court again Sept. 29. Drazewski ordered a mental health examination for Hopkins during Thursday’s hearing.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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