Homeless felon charged in random assault on juror

A man arriving for jury duty in Seattle was brutally assaulted outside the King County Courthouse just before 8 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Because of the random attack, both the Seattle Police Department and King County Metro bicycle officers have increased patrols in the area in order to keep all visitors and courthouse employees safe.

According to a Seattle Police Department incident report, the victim was struck four to five times in the face and then was head-butted as he lay on the ground.

A homeless convicted felon – 41-year old Marcus DeWayne Wilson -- was arrested and charged with one count of assault in Seattle Municipal Court.

During his arrest, Wilson told officers the victim had “bumped into him and that’s why there was a fight,” according to court documents.

Wilson is still behind bars.

He has an extensive criminal history that includes felony convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm, eluding police and tampering with a witness.

He’s also been convicted of assault, theft, obstruction, resisting arrest and multiple drug crimes.

Sgt Sean Whitcomb of the Seattle Police Department told KIRO 7 on Wednesday that the area outside the courthouse “is an important area for us.

People coming to court can expect to see a uniformed presence, and we will continue with these patrols as needed.”

While being interviewed by police, the victim said he “never goes downtown” but had arrived to fulfill his civic duty if seated on a jury.

Whitcomb told KIRO 7 that Wilson is also suspected of getting into a physical altercation with someone else outside the courthouse Tuesday morning but that there wasn’t enough evidence to arrest him or pursue criminal charges in that case.

Cox Media Group