Lawyer Attacked Outside Courtroom at City Hall in Cortland – Punched Numerous Times; Called For Help

Back on Thursday, December 5th, Cortland Police say they responded to a “violent altercation” outside the Cortland City Court located on the third floor of City Hall in the City of Cortland. Cortland Police say officers were already nearby in an office for a meeting when they heard a woman screaming for help.

Officers immediately responded to the area where the calls for help were coming from to find a man on top of a 51 year old woman. The man, identified as 47 year old Mark Skodzinsky, was seen punching the woman repeatedly and threatening her. Cortland Police and State Court officers immediately grabbed Skodzinsky off of the female victim and took Skodzinsky into custody. He was charged with Assault in the 3rd, and Criminal Mischief in the 4th.

Cortland Police say the 51 year old female victim was an attorney with business at City Court that day. Skodzinsky specifically targeted the woman for an unknown reason and Skodzinsky had no reason to be at City Hall, Cortland Police told X101 News. The victim sustained physical injuries and had personal property damaged during the attack. Cortland Police say the victim sought medical treatment on her own.

Skodzinsky was arraigned and later released. He is due to appear in Cortland City Court next week. An order of protection was also issued during his arraignment.