‘I didn’t say light up’: Deputy smashes window to arrest suspect smoking narcotics in Snohomish County

A suspect with outstanding warrants was arrested Monday in Snohomish County after he refused to exit his vehicle and began smoking a controlled substance, prompting a deputy to smash his window.

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Deputy Teigen recognized the suspect, whom he believed to have active arrest warrants, SCSO announced.

It was confirmed that the suspect did have four active warrants for violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, resisting arrest, fourth-degree assault, and contempt of court.

Deputy confirmed suspect had 4 active warrants before confrontation

The suspect also appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance. When Teigen ordered the suspect to open the door and exit the vehicle, he refused.

“Open the door, or I’m going to break the window on you,” Teigen said. “Can you open the door for me and be cool?”

While the suspect continued moving around in the driver’s seat, he began lighting and smoking a controlled substance.

Teigen then smashed open the window, shouting, “I didn’t say light up, I said open the door.”

The suspect called the deputy by name, claiming he was opening the door, but Teigen replied, “No, you weren’t, you were trying to light up.”

SCSO then took the suspect into custody without further incident.

“Great work Deputy Teigen and our Office of Neighborhoods crew!” SCSO stated.

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