Suspect Arrested After Violent Rampage at Seattle Hospital

Patient caused over $100,000 in damage, attacked staff at Harborview Emergency Room

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A 29-year-old suspect was arrested after allegedly going on a violent rampage at Harborview Medical Center's Emergency Room in Seattle. The man, who had been treated for an injured wrist, became agitated after being cleared for release and started destroying hospital equipment, lighting a fire, and attacking nurses and security guards. The incident caused over $100,000 in damage and required police intervention to subdue the suspect, who has a history of assaulting law enforcement.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges hospitals face in dealing with violent or mentally unstable patients, and the need for improved security protocols and resources to protect staff and patients. It also raises questions about the suspect's mental health and whether the healthcare system is adequately equipped to address the needs of individuals prone to such outbursts.

The details

According to the police report, the suspect arrived at the Harborview ER on Friday night to be treated for an injured wrist. After receiving treatment, he was cleared for release around 10 AM on Saturday. That's when he allegedly became agitated and started throwing hospital equipment, breaking an oxygen line, and lighting a fire. He also reportedly spit on and kicked nurses and security guards who tried to restrain him. The incident caused over $100,000 in damage and required police intervention to subdue the suspect, who has a history of assaulting law enforcement officers.

  • The suspect arrived at the Harborview ER on Friday night.
  • He was cleared for release around 10 AM on Saturday.
  • The violent rampage occurred shortly after he was cleared for release.

The players

Harborview Medical Center

A major public hospital in Seattle that serves as the region's only Level I adult and pediatric trauma center.

Seattle Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and arrested the suspect, who has a history of assaulting officers.

29-year-old suspect

The individual who allegedly went on a violent rampage at the Harborview ER, causing significant damage and attacking staff.

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What’s next

The suspect has been booked into the King County Jail and is facing multiple charges, including assault, arson, property destruction, and interference with a health care facility. Detectives from the Homicide and Assault Unit will be investigating the incident further.

The takeaway

This violent outburst at Harborview Medical Center underscores the need for hospitals to have robust security measures and protocols in place to protect staff and patients from potentially dangerous individuals. It also highlights the importance of addressing the mental health needs of patients to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.