Lots of excitement at the provincial courthouse in downtown Fredericton yesterday.

A prisoner tried to escape, but failed.

 A 26 year old man facing several weapons-related charges was brought to the building by R-C-M-P for a scheduled court appearance. He was in leg shackles and was placed in a holding cell to wait until his appointed time.

Apparently he got restless, as he climbed into a ventilation duct above his cell.

He didn't make it far because of the way the building is constructed, and after a short time returned to the cell on his own, but not before the building was evacuated.

The man was arrested and is now facing a charge of attempting to escape lawful custody.

The commotion was over in about half an hour.