Seattle man accused of throwing debris on I-5 charged

A man suspected of throwing debris onto Interstate 5 (I-5) in downtown Seattle has been charged. King County prosecutors said his actions posed a significant risk of death or injury to unsuspecting motorists.

The man is believed to have thrown debris along I-5 near the Olive Way exit last week.

“People should know that they are as safe as possible when driving on I-5 or any other road,” Casey McNerthney of the King County District Attorney's Office told KIRO Newsradio on Thursday.

Related crimes: Suspect throwing bricks on I-90 'could' be the same man who threw rocks at motorists in June

McNerthney added that the man should face the consequences.

“And when someone behaves like that, they have to be held accountable,” he said. “Propane tanks, used needles and urine-soaked clothing. That's a big problem and leads to charges.”

The man is identified as 53-year-old Michael Straightwell.

According to prosecutors, Straightwell is charged with reckless endangerment, throwing debris and assault for allegedly striking a Washington State Patrol (WSP) officer with a metal pipe. The officer was struck in the finger and fortunately suffered only minor injuries.

The incident prompted WSP, King County officers and Seattle police to the area. The highway was closed for several hours while Straightwell was taken into custody. A crisis negotiator and the SWAT team were called to assist.

More from James Lynch: Allegedly notorious graffiti vandal from Seattle faces criminal charges

Prosecutors said Straightwell has a criminal history, including carrying a concealed weapon, use of a weapon and property damage. Officials said mental illness may also play a role.

“This has been raised in previous cases and we anticipate it may come up again in this case,” McNerthney said. “If and when it does, prosecutors will address it in this case as well.”

Straightwell's bail was set at $100,000.

James Lynch is a reporter at KIRO Newsradio. Read more of James' stories here. Follow James on Xor send him an email here.

Follow @James_KIRORadio