Ky. teen accused of crime spree refuses to stay in courtroom

GRAYSON COUNTY, Ky. -- A court appearance for Dalton Hayes, the Kentucky 18-year-old accused of committing a string of crimes while on the run with his 13-year-old girlfriend, was interrupted Thursday afternoon when Hayes protested the presence of media, reports CBS affiliate WLKY.

According to the station, Hayes was brought into the courtroom of Judge Kenneth Harold Goff II for what was supposed to be a preliminary hearing. After sitting down for a few seconds, he stood up and yelled to the judge, "Harold, no disrespect to your courtroom, but I'm not staying here with that media."

He was then permitted to leave the courtroom, reports the station. The case was continued to Feb. 5, while Hayes' competency is determined.

Police say Hayes and his 13-year-old girlfriend Cheyenne Phillips were on the run for two weeks, after they vanished from their small hometown in western Kentucky. Authorities believe their travels took them to South Carolina and Georgia.

Hayes was arrested in Panama City Beach, Florida, last week. Authorities say they suspect the two of stealing vehicles and writing stolen checks while they were on the run.

Phillips is expected to face charges in juvenile court.