Man arrested for throwing rocks at Olympia capitol building, smashing windows, leading cops on chase

According to the Washington State Patrol, Clayton Stephen Seaborn allegedly used large rocks and his fists to damage 13 window casings and two doors at the Legislative Building before fleeing when confronted by troopers. Authorities say he drove across a pedestrian bridge connecting Heritage Park and Marathon Park, struck a patrol vehicle during the pursuit, and was ultimately arrested near Capitol Lake.

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Despite the extensive damage, officials say Seaborn never gained entry into the building because protective security film installed after last year's Capitol break-in kept the shattered windows intact and prevented another breach.

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A Capitol Campus trooper reportedly heard loud banging noises near the Legislative Building at approximately 1:15 am and discovered a man throwing large rocks at first-floor windows on the building's west side.

Investigators say Seaborn fled in a white Chevrolet Malibu when troopers approached. A pursuit involving Washington State Patrol and Olympia Police officers followed. During the chase, Seaborn allegedly struck a patrol vehicle before driving down a utility access road near Capitol Lake, crossing a pedestrian bridge, and eventually crashing near Marathon Park. Officers located him shortly afterward using Capitol Campus security cameras and took him into custody without further incident.

Seaborn was arrested on suspicion of DUI, second-degree assault, and first-degree malicious mischief and booked into the Thurston County Jail, where he remains in custody.

According to the Department of Enterprise Services (DES), the suspect damaged 13 window casings and two doors, with preliminary repair costs estimated at approximately $100,000. Officials cautioned that the figure remains preliminary and could increase as inspections continue.

The attack occurred on the same side of the Capitol targeted during a major break-in last October, when Gunnar Schubert smashed his way into the Legislative Building, vandalized multiple areas, damaged historic property, toppled busts, and set a fire inside the State Reception Room.

DES later estimated the damage from that incident at between $623,000 and $914,000, not including sales tax. Agency officials said the destruction included damage to windows, marble surfaces, architectural finishes, historic busts, flags, fixtures, devices, and the historic teak floor inside the State Reception Room. Schubert, who had previously served as a sergeant-at-arms for the Washington State Democratic Party convention, was charged with second-degree burglary, second-degree arson, and first-degree malicious mischief. Investigators said at the time there was no indication of political motivation and believed he was experiencing a mental health crisis.

On Thursday, state officials said the security upgrades installed after the Schubert incident worked as intended. The protective film prevented the windows from shattering completely and stopped Seaborn from gaining entry to the building, likely preventing substantially greater damage and expense to taxpayers.

DES crews have boarded up the damaged windows, and the north and west sections of the Capitol's esplanade have reopened. However, the pedestrian bridge connecting Heritage Park and Marathon Park remains closed while officials assess damage caused when the suspect drove his vehicle across it during the pursuit.

"I am grateful for Washington State Patrol's response to this incident and their continued partnership with our security teams," said DES Director Matt Jones. "We are working to quickly repair damages and ensure Capitol Campus remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone who works and visits here."

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