West Chester courthouse attacker had mental health, behavior issues

The man who fatally shot at a suburban Philadelphia courthouse after attacking a deputy sheriff had a history of bizarre behavior, a prosecutor said.

A second deputy shot Curtis Smith twice in the torso Tuesday at the Chester County Justice Center as he slashed at the other deputy with a knife.

Chester County District Attorney Thomas Hogan said Thursday the shooting was justified.

The 34-year-old Smith was arrested after climbing a perimeter wall at the White House in March. Hogan said a Smith relative believed it was an attempted “suicide by cop.”

Smith also had been arrested on burglary and assault charges, and he was subject to a restraining order. His brother pleaded guilty in 2013 to killing their father.

The slashed deputy is in stable condition. Standing close to Smith, a gunshot struck his hand.