Police arrested a man in crisis in Georgetown on Wednesday morning after he crashed a car into a business – leading to a large fire in the building – and then ran in and out of traffic cutting himself with a knife.
At 6:37 a.m., multiple 911 callers reported a driver had just crashed a car into a building in the 700 block of South Michigan Street. While officers were en route, witnesses reported the driver and sole occupant of the car had exited and was now running in and out of traffic while cutting himself with a knife.
Arriving officers attempted to contact the man, but he refused commands to stop, and continued running on South Michigan Street. Police briefly chased him and ultimately took the 49-year-old man into custody in the 500 block of South Michigan Street.
Meanwhile, the wrecked car in the building had ignited, setting the building on fire as well. Thankfully, the business was empty at the time. Seattle Fire Department firefighters extinguished the fire and estimated the damages at $185,000.
SFD medics transported the man to Harborview Medical Center for treatment for his self-inflicted lacerations, and any possible injury from the collision.
Police learned the suspect may have been under the influence of narcotics, and they investigated him for DUI. He was also arrested for property damage, obstruction, and hit and run.
After medical personnel discharge him from the hospital, officers will book the suspect into King County Jail.