An Oregon couple is suing both the city of Seattle and King County over an attack with a baseball bat by a man they allege was released from custody without a sufficient mental evaluation.
The plaintiffs, James and Melanie Richardson, were attacked in Westlake Center prior to attending a Mariners game Aug. 24, 2016. While window shopping, they say a man, Nail Mulazim Muied, attacked them with a baseball bat. He had also attacked another person with the bat prior to approaching the Richardsons.
Muied has an extensive criminal history, including prior felony convictions for third-degree assault, felony harassment and a lengthy misdemeanor record.
The lawsuit alleges that King County and Seattle were negligent in their releases of Muied by failing to request a mental health evaluation and his civil commitment.
The couple sustained serious injuries that required surgery and extensive neurological rehab, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit is asking for damages in the form of past and future medical costs, other special damages and emotional distress. An amount was not specified.
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KIRO 7's previous coverage of tourist attacks in Seattle:
[ Repeat criminal with violent history charged with two random Seattle attacks ]
[ Downtown Seattle tourist says he was attacked by homeless man ]
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