2 Men Accused Of Throwing Rocks Onto Seattle Freeways Arrested

SEATTLE, WA — Two people accused of throwing rocks and debris at cars over an overpass near Interstate-90 in Seattle are behind bars, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Troopers arrested 42-year-old Mario Hanson at 3 a.m. Sunday after an officer reportedly saw Hanson throwing things at cars on I-5 near Dearborn Street in Seattle, King 5 reported.

He's been charged with second-degree attempted assault. During his first courtroom appearance Monday, a judge set Hanson's bail at $100,000, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Troopers arrested a second person around midnight Monday near I-5 and the Washington State Convention Center. His name is not known at this time. They're also searching for a third suspect as well in connection with recent rock throwing incidents, the TV station reported.

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There have been 75 incidents this year, with six people being injured in the last 2 ½ weeks, the Washington State Patrol said.

The most recent rock-throwing incident occurred June 14 on I-90 near Rainier Avenue. At the scene, troopers said a rock smashed through the driver's windshield, striking him in the face.

The driver's vehicle then struck a barrier on the left side of the freeway. Troopers said he was left temporarily unconscious, unable to remember the collision and transported to Harborview Hospital due to a serious facial laceration.

Troopers said the rock was thrown from a construction site in between the east and westbound lanes of I-90. It's not clear if the two men recently arrested in connection with throwing rocks from overpasses are connected with last week's incident.

The Washington State Patrol is urging the public to call 911 if they see any pedestrians — even if they are not throwing rocks.

“Throwing rocks and debris at moving vehicles is not just against the law, it can be deadly dangerous. We are asking for the public’s help. Somebody out there knows something that can help us stop this before we suffer a loss," Chief John R. Batiste said. "Please call 911 if you have any information about who is doing this. Highway safety is everybody’s responsibility. Working together, we can keep our Washington highways safe.”

Troopers said that this kind of crime that can result in charges ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony.