Prolific Offender Trashes Harborview ER, Starts Fire

Suspect with history of assaulting police and staff arrested after damaging hospital property and attacking staff

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A 29-year-old man with an extensive criminal history was arrested after allegedly trashing a trauma room at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, damaging an oxygen line, and attempting to start a fire. The incident forced the room out of service and could top $100,000 in repairs, according to hospital staff.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges hospitals face in dealing with violent and disruptive patients, especially those with a history of criminal behavior. It raises concerns about hospital security, patient safety, and the need for improved mental health resources and support for high-risk individuals.

The details

According to the police report, the suspect, identified as Steven Sauro, came to the hospital the night before with wrist injuries, telling staff he had been attacked with a baseball bat. When he was told he would be discharged with splints, he became angry and allegedly threw a chair, yelled at staff, and overturned items in the room. Security locked him inside to prevent him from leaving or hurting others. While alone, Sauro is accused of breaking an oxygen valve, gathering gauze and paper into a trash bag, and trying to ignite it. Security was able to put out the fire, but the damaged oxygen line and valve could cost more than $100,000 to repair, rendering the room unusable for treating patients.

  • On February 15, 2026, Sauro allegedly trashed the trauma room at Harborview Medical Center.
  • Police were dispatched to the hospital around 10:15 a.m. on February 15, 2026.

The players

Steven Sauro

A 29-year-old man with an extensive criminal history, including a record of assaulting law enforcement, who was arrested for the incident at Harborview Medical Center.

Harborview Medical Center

A major hospital in Seattle that was the site of the incident, where a trauma room was damaged and an oxygen line was broken, potentially costing over $100,000 to repair.

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What they’re saying

“The damaged oxygen line and valve could cost more than $100,000 to repair, with a definitive estimate expected after a technician evaluates the system. Until then, the room would be unusable for treating patients.”

— Head of the emergency department (kvi.com)

What’s next

A judge has determined there is sufficient cause to hold Sauro for investigation of Assault in the Third Degree (against hospital staff), Arson in the First Degree, and Malicious Mischief in the First Degree. The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges hospitals face in dealing with violent and disruptive patients, especially those with a history of criminal behavior. It underscores the need for improved security measures, better mental health resources, and stronger support systems to prevent such damaging and dangerous incidents from occurring in the future.