Body cam Footage Shows Dramatic Swat Arrest of Olympia Suspect Accused in Propane Tank Assault
Seattle Today Newsroom
July 14, 2026
Body cam Footage Shows Dramatic Swat Arrest of Olympia Suspect Accused in Propane Tank Assault
Picture Credit: Valery Tenevoy
Newly released body camera footage captures the tense arrest of an Olympia man accused of seriously injuring a woman by striking her in the head with a propane tank before barricading himself inside an apartment, prompting a lengthy SWAT response.
Authorities say the suspect was also wanted on an active Department of Corrections escape warrant related to an assault with a deadly weapon. Investigators said the alleged assault occurred last week at Olympia’s “Jungle” homeless encampment, where the woman suffered a severe head injury that could result in permanent disfigurement.
The suspect, who has five prior assault convictions, was later tracked to an apartment complex after law enforcement located him.
According to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, officers attempted to negotiate with the suspect, but he refused to surrender and barricaded himself inside the apartment. Given his violent criminal history, a SWAT team was deployed to take control of the situation.
Sheriff Derek Sanders said the suspect resisted throughout the standoff by throwing burning objects toward deputies in what investigators believe was an attempt to ignite the apartment building. As a precaution, residents were evacuated while tactical teams worked to safely end the confrontation.
Body camera footage shows deputies breaching the apartment door with a chainsaw after negotiations failed. Officers then deployed pepperball rounds before sending a K-9 unit inside to locate the suspect.
The video captures the moment the police dog found the man hiding near a refrigerator, allowing SWAT officers to move in and take him into custody.
Following the arrest, the suspect was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Authorities said he is expected to face multiple charges, including felony assault and arson, as the investigation continues.
