Seattle, WA — A 42-year-old man with a history of violent crime was arrested Monday afternoon after attacking a 75-year-old woman with a weapon in Downtown Seattle, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) and the Seattle Police Department (SPD).
The assault occurred just before 12:00 p.m. near 3rd Avenue and James Street. Multiple witnesses reported seeing the suspect swinging a wooden stick with a metal screw attached to the end in public. Moments later, the suspect approached the elderly woman as she stood at the crosswalk and struck her in the face from behind, swinging the weapon like a baseball bat.
The violent blow caused the woman to fall backward onto the pavement, suffering a severe facial laceration with heavy bleeding, according to police. Several bystanders immediately rushed to assist the victim and called 911 as the suspect fled the scene on foot.
Real-Time Crime Center Aids in Rapid Arrest
An analyst from the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) quickly located the suspect through live surveillance and alerted responding officers. Within five minutes of the attack, nearby KCSO deputies located and detained the suspect without incident. He was later transferred into SPD custody.
After reviewing the RTCC footage confirming the assault, officers formally arrested the suspect.
Victim Undergoes Emergency Surgery
The Seattle Fire Department treated the woman at the scene for serious facial injuries before transporting her to Harborview Medical Center, where she underwent emergency surgery. Her current condition has not been publicly released.
Suspect Booked on First-Degree Assault
Police confirmed the suspect carries a “Violent Person” caution and has a prior felony assault conviction. He was booked into the King County Jail on charges of First-Degree Assault. The weapon used in the attack was recovered as evidence.
Detectives with the Homicide and Assault Unit are leading the ongoing investigation.
Incident Number: 2025-356233
Authorities praised the quick action of bystanders, first responders, and the RTCC in bringing the suspect into custody swiftly.
Violent felon arrested for attacking elderly woman, video captured by Real Time Crime Center:https://t.co/gjEJgwnkoj
— Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) December 6, 2025
