On August 30th, at approximately 2:38 pm, South Precinct officers responded to a disturbance at a bar in the 400 Block of South Orcas Street. The complainant/suspect, a 46 year old man, told officers that an employee of the bar had locked him out of the business. The man stated that he believed that the employee was “out to get him,” and was attempting to ruin his business. The man appeared to be under the influence, but told officers he wasn’t intoxicated. Officers spoke to the complainant and to the employee. The employee stated that he believed the man’s mental state had been in a “downward spiral” for about a month and getting worse. After speaking to both parties, the complainant agreed to take a cab home and sober up. A cab responded and took the complainant. The employee remained at the bar to run the business. Officers then left to write their report. Instead of going home, however, the man went to a nearby bar and was denied service. He was also overheard making threats about shooting police officers.
At approximately 9:43 pm, the suspect returned to the bar on South Orcas on a motorcycle and parked. When the victim came outside, the suspect pointed a handgun at him. The victim fled with several patrons and locked themselves in the basement and called 911. They also believed they heard a shot. South Precinct officers responded into the area but the suspect had fled, leaving his motorcycle behind. After gathering all the information and making sure there were no additional victims, two officers remained behind and watched the business. Approximately 2 hours later, at 11:47 pm, the suspect returned, forcing his way into the business. Once inside, the suspect called the victim and threatened him again. Additional officers responded to the scene along with SWAT and surrounded the business. The suspect surrendered and was taken into custody. He was later booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Assault.