A 29-year-old man was arrested Friday morning after allegedly destroying a hospital trauma room, setting a fire, and assaulting medical staff at Harborview Medical Center in Downtown Seattle.
According to the Seattle Police Department, officers responded around 10:15 a.m. to reports of a patient causing extensive damage inside a trauma room. Police said nearly everything in the room had been thrown or overturned while hospital staff and security attempted to restrain the suspect.
Fire Set in Oxygen-Fed Room
Investigators say the man broke open a direct oxygen line before igniting a bucket filled with medical equipment. The broken valve allowed oxygen to flow freely into the room, creating what police described as a potentially explosive situation.
Hospital security and staff intervened quickly, preventing what authorities say could have escalated into a catastrophic explosion within the facility.
Assaults and Property Damage
Police determined the suspect had initially arrived at the hospital the previous night seeking treatment for wrist injuries. After being treated and cleared for discharge, he allegedly became enraged — throwing objects, spitting on, and kicking nurses and security personnel.
Officers also reported that the suspect fashioned a makeshift noose from plastic tubing and threatened to harm himself.
Hospital officials estimate the damage to the trauma room exceeds $100,000.
Arrest and Charges
Officers arrested the suspect on multiple charges, including assault, arson, property destruction, and interference with a healthcare facility. Authorities say the man is known to be assaultive toward law enforcement and had several active warrants at the time of his arrest.
Under armed escort, he was transported by ambulance to the King County Jail for booking.
Detectives with the SPD Homicide and Assault Unit are investigating the case.
Incident Number: 2026-43713
Man arrested for destroying emergency room, attacking hospital staff:https://t.co/COvsn08aj8
— Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) February 15, 2026
