Man arrested for threatening Phoenix court staff

PHOENIX - A man is in custody for allegedly threatening security staff at a downtown Phoenix court complex after being refused access to the building.

Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies say 43-year-old Darren Murphy, of Surprise, is being held on suspicion of threatening or intimidating.

They say Murphy was trying to enter the Central Court building through the public entrance Friday when security staff found an empty bullet shell casing in his pocket.

Staff told Murphy that he wasn't permitted to enter the building with the casing and he had to either return it to his car or check it in with them.

Murphy became agitated and allegedly told security that he would go get his gun.

Deputies were called and say they found Murphy outside the building in possession of a handgun.