SEATTLE — Seattle police say a man brandishing a stick harassed people on the street before retreating to a utility room where he launched debris at officers and went on a destructive rampage.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m. Monday, police were called to Western and Columbia for reports of a man who was brandishing a stick and harassing people on the street.
When confronted by passersby, the man barricaded himself inside a business utility room in the 800 block of Post Avenue. Once inside the room, the man threw fluorescent bulbs, bottles and other items at officers and began breaking out windows.
Officers believe that the man also used an ax to damage the plumbing, causing some minor flooding.
Officers closed down the block and negotiators and SWAT were called to the scene. The man surrendered a short time later.
The 63-year-old man was later booked into the King County Jail on burglary and malicious harassment charges.
Officers also completed a referral for the man to receive a mental health evaluation.