This browser does not support the Video element.
Harborview patient charged with arson, assault
A man who started a fire and assault hospital staff and security at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle is being held on $250,000 bail.
SEATTLE - A man accused of starting a fire inside a room at Seattle's Harborview Medical Center and assaulting staff and security has been formally charged.
Steven C. Sauro, a 29-year-old Vancouver man, allegedly caused a violent scene inside the hospital because he was upset he was being discharged.
The backstory:
Court documents state Sauro arrived at the ER on Feb. 14 to be treated for injuries to his wrists, but became enraged when he was told he would only need a splint and not receive further treatment.
Sauro then allegedly began yelling at nurses and threw things around the room, resulting in security shutting the doors and containing him away from the rest of the hospital.
Property damage in Sauro's hospital room (King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)
He then broke an oxygen valve, gathered gauze and paper, and tried to light the contents on fire with a lighter, court documents state. Security then entered the room and intervened, as Sauro could have caused an explosion if he continued.
Burned items in wastebasket in Sauro's hospital room (King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)
Hospital staff and security retrained Sauro, who allegedly kicked and spit on those who tried to hold him down. He was later sedated and arrested.
Officials estimated the cost to repair the oxygen system would be more than $100,000.
Sauro is charged with first-degree arson, third-degree assault, four counts of fourth-degree assault and first-degree malicious mischief.
Dig deeper:
Prosecutors noted Sauro already had three active warrants for his arrest, and had recently been charged with misdemeanors for harassment, property destruction and assault. He has an arrest history out of Florida and Massachusetts, and previous convictions for grand theft auto, battery, and malicious mischief.
What's next:
Sauro remains jailed on $250,000 bail. His next court date is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 24, where he will plead guilty or not guilty to his charges.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Harborview patient arrested after alleged assault on staff, arson inside trauma room
A 29-year-old Harborview Medical Center patient is in custody after Seattle police say he assaulted nurses and security staff, damaged hospital property and started a fire inside a trauma room. Investigators say staff restrained the man after he allegedly broke an oxygen line and ignited medical equipment, creating a potential explosion risk. He faces multiple assault and arson charges, and hospital officials estimate the damage exceeds $100,000.
MORE NEWS ON FOX 13 SEATTLE
Two skiers rescued in separate backcountry incidents near Mount Baker in WA
Reptile Zoo says goodbye to Monroe, WA community following attempts to save business
Costco launches mobile app ordering for custom cakes and deli trays, easing customer woes
Mom urges son's killer to come forward after Seattle shooting in Pioneer Square
Young 12's lost football at Seattle parade leads to call from Seahawk, community response
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
The Source: Information in this story came from the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Seattle Police, and previous FOX 13 Seattle reporting.