At about 11:30 p.m., officers responded to a complaint of a man brandishing a pistol while standing on his balcony near the Bell Street and 2nd Ave. The individual had reportedly pointed the gun across the street toward two individuals playing loud music in their vehicle, which was parked in front of the nightclubs across the street.
Responding officers identified the suspect balcony on the third floor of an apartment building in the 2200 block of 2nd Ave, and set up containment around the building. They also shut down 2nd Ave between Bell Street and Blanchard Street. Initially the suspect went back into his apartment and was not seen again. Officers were able to find a woman at the scene who had seen the incident, but they could not find the individuals the suspect had allegedly pointed his gun at.
As time went on, the officers were able to get information on the suspect from the manager of the building and locate the correct apartment. They also learned that the tenant, a White male in his 50s who lives there alone, might have a history or mental issues and/or substance abuse issues. The suspect also made another appearance on the balcony, yelling at officers, though no handgun was seen this time.
Officers was able to convince the suspect to come out of the apartment. Officers arrested the suspect without incident. While clearing the apartment, they located sixteen pistols not counting the one the suspect had allegedly brandished. Officers recovered all of the pistols and several knives and submitted them as evidence.
The suspect was booked into the King County Jail for a violation of SMC 12.A.14.075, Unlawful Use of Weapons. Officers were not able to locate the individuals the suspect had initially challenged. The suspect stated he was upset that the men were playing loud music, so he started yelling to attract their attention. He admitted using racial slurs, but denied being armed at the time. The female witness stated that she clearly saw the suspect brandishing a black pistol. Officers recovered a loaded black semi-automatic pistol from a table just inside the apartment right next to near the door leading out to the balcony.