A Flathead District Court security officer, along with a Montana Highway Patrol trooper and a civilian, thwarted a jail inmate's escape attempt during court proceedings Thursday.

According to a report from the Flathead County Sheriff's Office, Jonathan George Graves, 23, of Missoula had just been brought into court for his initial appearance on felony charges of theft and burglary when he assaulted a security officer and ran from the courtroom.

A security officer hit Graves with a Taser charge and a civilian confronted him. A Montana Highway Patrol trooper in another courtroom heard the commotion and came out to assist.

Graves was subdued and taken back into custody.

One of the security officers was transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center, where he was evaluated and released.

Sheriff Chuck Curry said the civilian's actions show the character of people in the valley.

"It just goes to show that we still live in an area in the state where people will help," Curry said. "If you call for help in downtown New York City, you might get a different response."

Curry also praised the efforts of court security officers.

"It's not a common occurrence, but certainly it's something that we're ever vigilant for," he said. "We have a very secure jail, but any time they're outside the actual confines of that, the potential exists. Our people are specifically trained for it. Mr. Graves was not successful and we're proud of that."

The press release issued by the Sheriff's Office indicates that Graves, who has been in custody since Dec. 10, is charged with burglary, theft, two counts of violating the conditions of his release, obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest.

He also has two active felony warrants out of Lake County.

Graves' initial charges stem from a Nov. 23 theft from a vehicle and a Nov. 26 home invasion robbery that led to a high-speed chase on U.S. 2 that ended when the vehicle was rolled on Cedar Creek Road near the North Fork Road.

Graves will face new charges related to his escape attempt, which still is under investigation.

He is currently being held in the Flathead County Detention Center, where his total bond is $115,000.