Downtown criminal courts building to be closed until at least Tuesday because of broken water pipe

The Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center will be closed until at least Tuesday because flooding shut off all water service in the building, L.A. County Superior Court officials said.

"All matters on calendar today have been adjourned and jurors sent home for the day," a statement issued Monday by the courts said. "Case management contingencies are under discussion and will be outlined, if necessary, in future advisories from the Los Angeles Superior Court."

Dozens of felony court cases were transferred to a different downtown courthouse when a broken pipe disrupted the building's water supply.

The 10 a.m. incident took place amid construction and flooded the boiler room and exhibit unit, according to court officials.

The cause of the broken pipe has not been identified but officials said there was a construction crew working in the area.

The incident was the second significant interruption of court business in recent days. On Friday, courtrooms were evacuated as part of a fire drill.

Felony arraignments were to be conducted at the downtown Central Arraignment Court on Bauchet Street, which is in the same building as the Men's Central Jail.

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-- Andrew Blankstein

Photo: Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center Credit: Los Angeles Times