Man Convicted Of Rape Bolts From Mich. Courtroom And Tries To Shoot Detective, Sheriff Says

Wednesday, June 27th 2007, 10:30 pm

By: News On 6

ATLANTA, Mich. (AP) _ A man who had just been convicted of rape ran from the courtroom, grabbed a shotgun from his vehicle and tried to shoot a detective before he was apprehended, authorities said. No one was injured.

Robert K. Becker, 45, was being tried on a charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, Montmorency County Sheriff Douglas Baum said in a statement. After the verdict came in and Becker was ordered jailed, he fled and officers gave chase, Baum said.

Becker retrieved a pump-action shotgun from his vehicle and aimed it at a sheriff's detective from Grand Traverse County, the sheriff said.

``Fortunately, the firearm jammed, and Becker was placed into custody after a short struggle,'' Baum said.

Becker was taken to jail to await sentencing for rape and new charges on the escape and shooting attempt, Baum said. First-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a penalty of up to life in prison.

The Montmorency County Sheriff's Department declined to comment further after business hours Wednesday.

Atlanta is in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, about 190 miles north of Detroit.