Seattle police say a 36-year-old man is in jail after he allegedly hurled rocks at passing vehicles on Rainier Avenue South near South Henderson Street, injuring two people and damaging at least one King County Metro coach. Firefighters treated both victims, described by police as a couple in their 50s, and the pair were taken to a nearby hospital for further care.
According to the Seattle Police Department, witnesses reported seeing the suspect throwing rocks at moving vehicles, and Metro supervisors told officers that coaches had damage to their windshields and route destination signs. Police logged the case as incident report 2026-59433. Officers say the suspect has a prior record and was taken into custody at the scene, then booked into the King County Jail. According to police reports, the man also made multiple threats toward officers before and after he was placed into custody.
Bus Damage And A Recurring Problem
Rock throwing at cars is a recurring hazard along Rainier Avenue and nearby freeway ramps, with past incidents cracking windshields and injuring drivers. Local coverage, including reporting from Q13 FOX, has documented numerous rock-throwing reports in the corridor in recent years. Authorities say drivers should report strikes immediately so officers can respond quickly.
Charges And Arrest Details
Police say the suspect faces counts of assault, malicious mischief and property destruction while detectives continue the investigation, and prosecutors will determine the final filings. Fire crews and officers collected witness statements and other evidence at the scene as the two victims were evaluated and sent to a hospital for follow-up care. The investigation remains active, and detectives with Seattle’s general investigations unit have been assigned to the case.
What The Charges Could Mean
Under Washington law, damaging public transportation or impairing its operation can raise a damage charge to first-degree malicious mischief, a class B felony that can carry up to 10 years in prison. The statute is laid out in RCW 9A.48.070. Penalties for assault and property damage offenses vary by degree, and simple assault and lower level property counts are treated more lightly, as outlined in RCW 9A.36.040.
Detectives are asking anyone with information or video of the incident to contact the Seattle Police Department and reference the incident report number. The case remains open while prosecutors review the evidence and decide on formal charges and any bail conditions.
