DANVILLE, Va. – A man threw a knife at a deputy inside the Danville Courthouse on Wednesday afternoon, narrowly missing a sheriff’s deputy.

Sheriff Mike Mondul said the man entered the courthouse around 1:20 p.m. Wednesday wearing a backpack. He was asked standard security questions before becoming agitated and turning away.

It was at this point that the deputy spotted a a large knife in the man’s waistband. The man turned around and concealed his right hand from the deputy’s view, posturing himself as if he had a weapon. Without warning, he suddenly tossed the knife at the deputy.

The knife missed the deputy; the blade hit a wall before falling to the ground. Other deputies responded and quickly took the individual into custody. He was also carrying what was described as a “butcher-style knife” in his waistband.

The suspect, identified as 62-year-old Jay Weldon Miller, never gained entry beyond the entrance to the courthouse. He was taken to the hospital and an emergency custody order was granted. A temporary detention order was issued for his placement in a mental hospital.

Charges are pending a full investigation.