Disturbed man on Burien hospital roof causes lockdown

BURIEN, Wash. — A disturbed man on the roof of Burien’s Highline Medical Center has caused the hospital to be locked down.

King County sheriff’s spokesperson Cindi West said the man, who was mentally ill, was armed with a knife, but police are only trying to talk him down.

Video from Chopper 7 showed the man kicking objects off the roof and jumping from level to level.

Police officers are also on the roof but are keeping a safe distance while trying to speak to the man.

Shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday, KIRO 7 started receiving tips and calls that there was a sniper or an active shooter on the roof, and that was the reason for the lockdown, but police say that information was incorrect.

A SWAT team responded and eventually used flash bangs to divert the man's attention.

He was taken into custody by officers shortly after 1 p.m.

Cox Media Group