Judge uses chokehold to subdue man in Honolulu court

(CBS/AP) HONOLULU - A judge took matters into his own hands - literally - when he subdued a man in his courtroom who jumped onto the bench and broke a flagpole.

The Department of Public Safety says Steven Hauge had been going from courtroom to courtroom screaming Monday in the Honolulu District Court building, when he crossed paths with Judge Lono Lee.

Hauge should never have approached the bench.

He is accused of grabbing the Hawaii flag and breaking the staff while swinging it around. Judge Lee knocked Hauge down and put him in a chokehold.

The judge couldn't be reached for comment, but a public safety spokeswoman confirmed the incident to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Hauge was charged with disorderly conduct, obstruction of government operations and criminal property damage. He was being held on $1,500 bail at the Oahu Correctional Center.

Next case, your honor.