Suspect Damages Washington Capitol Before High-Speed Chase

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A 21-year-old man faces multiple felony charges after Washington State Patrol troopers say he damaged numerous windows and doors at the Washington State Legislative Building in Olympia during the early morning hours of June 4.

According to the Washington State Patrol, a trooper heard loud noises near the northwest corner of the Legislative Building at approximately 1:15 a.m. The trooper then observed a man allegedly throwing large rocks at first-floor windows of the historic building.

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When another Capitol Campus trooper arrived, the suspect fled in a white 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, prompting a pursuit involving additional Washington State Patrol troopers and the Olympia Police Department. During the chase, the suspect’s vehicle struck a patrol car. Authorities reported minor damage to the trooper’s vehicle and no injuries.

Investigators said the suspect drove onto a service road near Capitol Lake, crossed a wooden pedestrian bridge, and crashed a short distance later. Security cameras operated by the Washington Department of Enterprise Services located the suspect near railroad tracks south of Marathon Park. Officers took him into custody without further incident.

Washington State Patrol identified the suspect as Clayton Stephen Seaborn, 21. Troopers administered a sobriety test and arrested him on suspicion of DUI, second-degree assault and first-degree malicious mischief. He is currently being held in the Thurston County Jail.

Significant Damage Reported

An initial assessment found no evidence that anyone gained entry to the Legislative Building. However, officials reported extensive damage to the exterior of the facility.

According to the Washington State Patrol, 13 office window sets and two doors sustained heavy damage from large rocks. Investigators also found blood on several windows, suggesting the suspect may have struck the glass with his hands or fists.

State officials said protective security film installed after previous vandalism incidents prevented entry into the building and helped limit interior damage. The Washington Department of Enterprise Services is overseeing cleanup and repair efforts.

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