Troopers Respond to Weapons Offense on Kittitas Ferry

Mukilteo, WA – On November 15th, 2017 around 7:42 a.m. Washington State Patrol Vessel and Terminal Security Troopers (VATS) responded to a call of a weapon brandishing that occurred in Clinton, WA aboard the Washington State Ferry Kittitas.

According to a Press Release from Trooper Kevin Fortino, the initial call was that a subject had brandished a weapon toward a juvenile passenger. It was determined by Troopers on scene that it was a large kitchen knife that was displayed after a confrontation.

Troopers were able to quickly identify and detain the suspect to end any threat to the victim, Ferry patrons or Washington State Ferry personnel according to the press release.

The Suspect was identified as a 39-year old male, who allegedly brandished the knife to a juvenile after an accusation of theft was made against the juvenile.  Trooper Fortino said the incident originally began at the Clinton Ferry Dock and the weapon brandishing occurred in Island County waters, during the sailing.

Troopers searched the suspect after detaining him and were unable to find a weapon. Shortly thereafter Troopers located a knife in the men’s restroom, which matched the description of the weapon the man was seen brandishing.

The investigation is ongoing and once completed will be forwarded to the Island County Prosecutors Office for review.

The incident caused a thirty minute delay to Ferry service.