Teens charged after violent escape from Snoqualmie detention center

KING COUNTY, Wash. — Three of five teens caught after escaping from Echo Glen Children’s Center in Snoqualmie on Wednesday are facing several serious charges, including assault, kidnapping, and robbery.

At a court hearing on Friday, a judge underscored how dangerous the teens are, ruling that they stay locked up.

During the hearing, the judge said, “I do order that this is necessary to protect the community, but also the detention staff.”

Only one of the escapees faced a judge. The others waived their rights to an appearance.

During the hearing, family members of the escapees tried to reason with the judge.

“There needs to be more communication between us because this is my son we’re talking about,” Rosa Navaroo said.

“The typical response at this stage is ‘not guilty.’ The state has to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, so that’s what we will fully require them to do,” said James Womack, a lawyer for one teen.

Prosecutors said this week’s escape was not only organized and planned but also incredibly violent.

They said one of the teens barged out of their cottage with a knife and held it to the face of a detention worker.

That worker was slashed while several others were injured.

Womack told KIRO 7 his client is already worried about what lies ahead.

“He is conversant. He is concerned about his future. He is petrified I think by the system.”

As part of the teens’ first appearance, each was banned from having contact with one another. However, the teens are expected to return to court next week.

Each teen has been in trouble before, including one who has been convicted of murder and another convicted of armed robbery.

As for the two outstanding escapees, the authorities are working to track them down.

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