The man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, assault and malicious mischief following the early morning incident.
OLYMPIA, Wash. — A 21-year-old man was arrested early Thursday for breaking doors and windows at the Washington Legislative Building and leading police on a chase in Olympia, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The man was booked into the Thurston County Jail on suspicion of DUI, second-degree assault and first-degree malicious mischief.
KING 5 News will not release the suspect’s name until he or she is formally charged.
WSP said the incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. when an officer heard a loud noise near the northwest corner of the Legislative Building, which serves as the operations center for the state Capitol campus.
According to the patrol, officers saw a man from a distance throwing large rocks at a first-floor window.
When another campus police officer arrived, the man drove off in a white 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.
Troopers and officers from the Olympia Police Department joined the pursuit. WSP said a trooper’s vehicle was hit by the Malibu, but the damage was minor and no injuries were reported.
The chase continued onto a road, crossing a wooden bridge on a popular sidewalk, and a crash occurred a short time later, according to WSP.
Surveillance cameras later found the man lying near the railroad tracks at Marathon Park. Troopers and Olympia police took him into custody without further incident.
WSP said sobriety tests were conducted following the arrest.
An early review of the legislative building found no signs of illegal entry, according to WSP. State officials said large rocks severely damaged 13 sets of office windows and two doors. There was also blood on several windows, which officials said appeared to come from the man’s fists or hands.
WSP said protective film was installed on the windows after previous acts of vandalism, helping to prevent the man from entering the building and limiting internal damage.
Corporate Services is handling cleanup, replacement and restoration work.
