Man Arrested After Trashing Harborview ER, Attacking Nurses, and Creating Explosion Risk

The 29-year-old suspect caused over $100,000 in damage and faces multiple charges.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A 29-year-old man was arrested on Saturday after he destroyed an emergency room at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, attacked nurses and security guards, and created an explosion risk by lighting a fire near a broken oxygen line.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges healthcare workers face with violent and disruptive patients, as well as the need for improved security protocols and mental health resources to prevent such dangerous outbursts in medical facilities.

The details

According to the Seattle Police Department, the suspect first went to Harborview the night before to have a wrist injury treated. After being cleared for discharge, he became enraged and started throwing items around the trauma room. His aggression escalated to the point where he kicked and spat on nurses and security guards. The suspect even tied a makeshift noose out of plastic tubing and threatened to kill himself. Later, he lit a fire in a hospital room bucket while breaking open a direct oxygen line, creating an explosion risk within the hospital. Security and staff intervened to put out the fire and restrain the suspect before he could cause further damage.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, February 16, 2026 around 10:15 a.m.
  • The suspect had first visited Harborview Medical Center the night before to have a wrist injury treated.

The players

Seattle Police Department (SPD)

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident at Harborview Medical Center.

Harborview Medical Center

The hospital in Seattle where the incident took place, resulting in over $100,000 in damage.

The Suspect

A 29-year-old man who was arrested for multiple counts of assault, arson, property destruction, and interference with a healthcare facility.

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What they’re saying

“It appeared that almost everything in the room had been thrown around or tipped over as staff and security were fighting with [the suspect].”

— Seattle Police Department (mynorthwest.com)

What’s next

The suspect, known to be assaultive with law enforcement, has several active warrants for his arrest. He was taken to King County Jail for booking under armed police escort.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for improved security protocols and mental health resources in healthcare facilities to protect staff and patients from violent outbursts. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare workers in dealing with disruptive and dangerous individuals who seek treatment.