Eric Jerome Perkins faces multiple charges for allegedly shooting at vehicles on Interstate 5 near Seattle and Tacoma during Labor Day weekend. The incident, which occurred on September 2, 2024, resulted in injuries to several individuals across two counties.
Prosecutors in King County, the most populous county in Washington state, have filed five first-degree assault charges against Perkins. These charges stem from a shooting spree that took place on I-5 just south of Seattle, resulting in injuries to five people.
In addition to the King County charges, prosecutors in Pierce County, the second-most populous county in Washington, have filed four more assault charges against Perkins. These charges relate to shootings that allegedly occurred later the same night in the Tacoma area. Perkins is also facing a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm due to previous convictions.
The incidents began on I-5, the main north-south Interstate Highway on the West Coast of the United States. According to court documents, Perkins allegedly fired at multiple vehicles, including a Tesla, near the city of Fife. Two women in the Tesla were struck in the neck and required hospitalization.
"Perkins told police that people were 'stealing his identity, making threats and following him,' so he 'took matters into his own hands' and shot at cars to get them to 'back off.'"
The shooting spree continued near the Tacoma Dome, a multi-purpose arena in Tacoma, where Perkins allegedly fired at a van and another vehicle, causing injuries and damage.
Law enforcement apprehended Perkins in Pierce County at approximately 12:40 a.m. on September 3, 2024. During questioning, he claimed to have borrowed a Glock handgun from a friend after failing to receive help from local police departments. Perkins stated that he feared for his life and believed the vehicles were attempting to trap him.
Court records reveal that Perkins has a criminal history in California, including convictions for burglary, receiving stolen goods, and making threats. As of September 9, 2024, Perkins was being held in King County jail on $1 million bail, with his arraignment scheduled for September 19, 2024.
The case highlights the serious nature of first-degree assault charges, which are typically classified as Class A felonies in many jurisdictions. It also underscores the complexities of interstate crime and the coordination required between different county prosecutors.
As the legal process unfolds, the Department of Public Defense may be assigned to represent Perkins if he cannot afford private counsel. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the potential consequences of perceived threats and identity theft concerns.