PORT TOWNSEND — A man has been booked into the Jefferson County jail after police say he threatened at least one person with a knife in the downtown area over the weekend.
Robert Leroy Bates, 37, who is described as a transient, was arrested Saturday and booked into the jail for investigation of harassment, a dangerous weapon violation and reckless endangerment, Port Townsend Police Officer Patrick Fudally said in a news release Saturday.
At 3:40 p.m. Saturday, the Jefferson County 9-1-1 call center received multiple calls in the downtown area to report a man brandishing a large Bowie knife and threatening people, Fudally said.
When officers arrived, they recognized the description of Bates as matching a man they had contact with earlier in the day when he was screaming at officers near the Penny Saver, 2140 E. Sims Way, he said.
Fudally said that during the incident at the Penny Saver, Bates was ranting about “Jewish” people and referring to others with racial slurs against blacks.
Officers responded to the call about the knife and located Bates near the Jefferson County Winter Shelter at 209 Monroe St., he said.
Initially, Bates would not listen to commands from officers, but the officers were able to convince him to cooperate though Bates continued offering minor resistance as officers moved in to handcuff him.
While talking to officers, Bates continued to use racial slurs, Fudally said.
Near a back lot at Port Townsend City Hall, officers found a 15-inch Bowie knife believed to be the one Bates had been seen with earlier, he said.
During interviews with witnesses and victims, officers learned that Bates had threatened a 30-year-old dark-skinned woman by saying she was “going to die” while holding the large knife in his hand.
Fudally said witnesses told police Bates had also “possibly swung his knife and thrown it at an unknown male during the incident.”
Based on witness statements, officers developed probable cause to arrest Bates, Fudally said.
Port Townsend police are seeking the reported unknown male victim, and believe he goes by the name “CJ.”
Detective Luke Bogues said Sunday that police are hoping to identify “CJ” and interview him regarding the alleged attack, and police believe he may have videotaped parts of the incident.
“We are still looking to reach out and talk to him,” Bogues said.
Bogues said that anyone who was in the downtown area and witnessed Bates’ behavior or has information on what may have led up to the incidents should call police.
“We are trying to paint a picture for the prosecutors,” he said.
Anyone with information about the incident or who knows how to contact “CJ” is asked to phone the police department at 360-385-2322 and speak with Bogues or Officer Jon Stuart.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.
