SEATTLE — A suspect with an extensive criminal history fought with police in the back of a patrol car, according to investigators. KIRO 7 obtained the video of the struggle and assault in the back of a patrol car last month. Besides kicking and spitting at officers, the suspect also tore the camera system out of the ceiling of the patrol car, according to charging documents.
Joel Weber, 43, had just been released from the King County Jail after being convicted of assault. Part of his sentence required him to go to residential drug treatment but instead of getting in the van to take him there, police say he ran away.
Police responded to a neighborhood North of the University District where Weber was stopping cars in the middle of the street. When neighbors tried to help him they say he threatened to kill them and then pulled out a shovel.
Weber was booked into the King County Jail and is charged with assault and harassment.
Officers got Weber into the backseat of the patrol car where he became violent and kicked and spit at officers, according to the video.
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