Officer injured; man is charged

SARASOTA - John Anthony Caso, a self-employed hairdresser and chef, was supposed to go to court this week because he did not pay part of an $1,800 fine.

But authorities say Caso argued with bailiffs at the courthouse, did not make it past the security check and ended up in jail after he fought with a deputy.

The deputy, Greg Holloway, tore a tendon in his knee while he and Caso struggled on the sidewalk outside the historic courthouse downtown.

Caso, 33, had arrived at 11:30 a.m. and tried to go to collections court. Court records show he was arrested for disorderly intoxication, a misdemeanor, in April, and the court said he had not fully paid the fine.

When he got to the metal detectors in the lobby, Caso started shouting and cursing, according to a sheriff's report.

Deputies say he had bloodshot eyes and was slurring his words.

Court employees told him to leave.

Caso, deputies say, looked as though he were going to fight, but walked out instead.

He slammed the door on his way, and deputies confronted him outside.

Caso punched Holloway in the chest, witnesses said, and Holloway fell.

Other deputies pulled Caso away and Holloway was taken to the hospital.

Authorities charged Caso with aggravated battery.

Caso could not be reached for comment.