'MasterChef' Finalist Josh Marks Arrested for Assault
A former "MasterChef'" finalist was arrested Monday for assaulting a university police officer -- part of a wild rampage that the reality show contestant allegedly blamed on celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
Josh Marks, 26, was approached by a University of Chicago police officer who noticed cuts on his face while he attempted to use an emergency phone. The incident ended with Marks allegedly lunging at the cop, "striking him with a closed fist," and trying to grab the officer's gun, TMZ reports. It took five officers to subdue him.
Police say Marks, an ex-Army contract specialist, was not under the influence of drugs. Instead, he attributed his actions to "MasterChef" judge and co-host Gordon Ramsay.
Possessed by Ramsey
Many artists claim to be possessed by their creative spirit, but Marks allegedly claimed that Ramsay "possessed his body" and "transformed him into God," reports TMZ.
When there are suspicions that a criminal suspect is suffering from a serious mental breakdown, police can institute an emergency psychiatric hold for evaluation, which typically lasts 72 hours. (Celebrity news followers may know this as a "5150 hold," but that term is only used in California.)
Under Illinois law, Marks can be held for 72 hours to be evaluated by a mental health professional if authorities believe it is necessary to protect Marks or others from harm. That shouldn't be too difficult, given his alleged assault on the campus officers.
Assault and Resisting Arrest Charges
While Marks is resting in his hospital bed for his injuries (and possibly mental health), he will eventually be arraigned on charges of assaulting an officer and resisting arrest, reports Starcasm.
Assaulting an officer is particularly unfortunate for the "MasterChef" Season 3 finalist because, under Illinois criminal law, it counts as aggravated assault -- a Class A misdemeanor that's punishable by up to a year in jail.
The assault charge is an addition to resisting arrest. Notably, assault can be charged even when someone isn't throwing punches at police.
Marks should be arraigned within the week, and a judge will likely consider his unpredictable violence toward the university police officers as a factor in potentially increasing his bail.
Related Resources:
- MasterChef Runner-Up Arrested After Violent Attack, Claims Gordon Ramsay Possessed Him (The Braiser)
- 'Kony 2012's' Jason Russell on 5150 Hold (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Gordon Ramsay Sued by Ex-'Fat Cow' Employees (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
- MC Hammer Arrested for Obstructing an Officer (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
