Man in fatigues allegedly pours gasoline on self at Capitol campus
BY JEREMY PAWLOSKI
Police detained a man dressed in fatigues on the Capitol campus Monday morning after he allegedly poured gasoline over himself, took off his shirt and pants and laid down on his stomach near the flag poles outside the Capitol Dome.
George Sharp, executive director of the Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau, said he called 911 after 10 a.m., when a woman told him a man outside who was dressed in fatigues poured gasoline over himself.
Sharp said he followed the man past the Victory statue, keeping a distance of about 300 feet behind him. Sharp added that he asked the man if he was all right, and he mumbled incoherently. The man took his shirt and pants off and laid down on his stomach, Sharp added.
"He did not try to light himself," Sharp said. "I asked him what he was doing, and he just mumbled. He seemed disoriented."
Washington State Patrol and Olympia Police responded, placing the man into handcuffs. The man moaned out several times as police officers attempted to speak with him. Police at the scene refused comment, but an Olympia police officer was seen holding a black lighter.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Guy Gill stated that the man was taken into custody without incident. He was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital for an evaluation, Gill said. Gill added that the man had left paperwork and personal effects at the Governor's office before walking back outside and dousing himself with gasoline.
Jeremy Pawloski: 360-754-5445
jpawloski@theolympian.com
