Switchblade incident sends crowds fleeing along Seattle waterfront; suspect arrested
Apr 9, 2026, 3:37 PM
Dozens of people ran from a man with a switchblade along Seattle's waterfront on Wednesday. (Courtesy Seattle Police Department)
(Courtesy Seattle Police Department)
Dozens of people ran away from a man with a switchblade along the Seattle waterfront Wednesday afternoon.
Police said the 38-year-old man was waving a silver knife near Alaska Way S. and Yesler Way at approximately 4:40 p.m.
Police ordered him to drop it, but they said he ignored them and kept walking toward the Seattle Aquarium.
“Upon seeing the armed suspect continue down the walkway being followed by police, dozens of people fled the area to get away from him,” the Seattle Police Department wrote in its crime blotter. “Officers deployed a less lethal tool and stopped the suspect. He dropped the switchblade, complied with police, and they arrested him without incident.”
Police booked the man into the King County Jail for weapons violations and obstructing law enforcement, the post said.
Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.
