PHOENIX (AP) - A Wittmann man being tried on drug charges is on the run after fleeing during a recess at Maricopa County Superior Court.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office says 44-year-old Patrick Pina left during a court recess Wednesday after prosecutors rested their case.
Jurors later convicted him of the sale of dangerous drugs, money laundering, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of marijuana.
A judge now has issued a warrant for Pina’s arrest.
Undercover deputies from the county sheriff’s office purchased a half-ounce of methamphetamine at Pina’s home in March.
A barricade situation began when authorities tried to arrest him.
Deputies finally detained Pina and found methamphetamine, marijuana and a gun inside Pina’s house.
He was indicted by a grand jury and released on bond after his initial court appearance.
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