Knife-wielding man arrested after threatening Seattle auto shop workers and injuring officer

SEATTLE— Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers arrested a 28-year-old man last week for threatening employees at an auto repair shop in north Seattle with a knife.

SPD said on Oct. 23 at 4:12 p.m., patrol officers responded to reports of a man brandishing a knife and threatening employees at an auto repair shop in the 10500 block of Aurora Avenue North.

Police say the suspect pulled out a knife and pointed it at the victim after trying to enter a closed area of ​​the store. The 59-year-old man pulled away and fell to the ground, but was not injured, according to police.

“Officers located the suspect walking away from the scene,” SPD wrote in a news release. “He ignored lawful orders and fled from police, embarking on a lengthy chase through rush hour traffic.”

Police said when officers caught up with the 28-year-old suspect, he re-armed himself with a knife alongside officers. Police then used a Taser on him and arrested him, SPD said.

According to police, several knives were found as evidence.

According to police, an officer suffered “serious leg injuries” during the foot chase. He was treated by the Seattle Fire Department and taken to the hospital, where he was reported in stable condition.

“The 28-year-old suspect was booked into the King County Jail for harassment and burglary in lieu of $75,000 bail,” SPD wrote. “Additional charges of obstructing a government official may be sought.”

Police also said the same suspect was previously arrested on Sunday morning, Oct. 20, for harassing three teenage girls with a large combat knife, but was released from the King County Jail the next day.