Suspect in I-5 shootings deemed incompetent to stand trial

The suspect in six shootings that began on Interstate 5 in Federal Way and left five people injured on Sept. 2 was found incompetent to stand trial after originally being charged with five counts of first-degree assault, each with a firearm enhancement.

Shortly after the shootings, Eric Perkins was arrested in University Place by a Fircrest police officer and a Washington State Patrol trooper at about 12:40 a.m. Sept. 3 after it was found that Perkins was associated with a white Volvo S60 with California plates that was reported as used to carry out the shootings. When officers towed his vehicle, they located the handgun between the center console and the front passenger seat, a magazine on the front passenger floorboard, and ammunition loose within the vehicle.

On Sept. 19, an order for competency was filed for Perkins. After being evaluated by a forensic evaluator, he was given a provisional diagnosis of delusional disorder, according to a forensic evaluation court document.

Paul Spizman, the evaluator for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, additionally recommended Perkins go to a DSHS-approved facility for an appropriate restoration period. According to court documents, Spizman also said it is likely treatment will improve Perkins’ mental condition and restore competency.

“I believe aspects of delusions may interfere with his ability to formulate a relevant legal defense. I also question whether he has a rational understanding of the proceedings,” Spizman said in the court document. “Furthermore, delusional ideation and paranoia may impair his ability to rationally discuss information with his attorney. He may also not be able to provide information to his attorney, or during testimony, that is reality based.”

Spizman said the most compelling piece was Perkins’ statement that he would not be able to work with an attorney who believed, based on a professional opinion, that he is mentally ill, according to documents.

On Oct. 9, King County Superior Court Judge Johanna Bender ruled that, based on medical reports, the court found Perkins incompetent and ordered inpatient competency restoration treatment. His next court appearance is on Jan. 8, 2025.

Perkins’ side of the story

According to the probable cause documents, when Perkins spoke with officers, he said that he had been trying to get assistance from Tacoma and Fircrest police because people had been trying to steal his identity, making threats, and following him. Perkins said that he had trouble contacting police, and if necessary, he would take matters into his own hands. He said his friend “Jay” had recently loaned him a Glock 40 handgun.

Officers asked Perkins if he had the handgun to protect himself recently, and he said he had. According to documents, Perkins indicated that he had fired at vehicles four or five times, had driven from Tacoma to Everett, and had shot the gun a few times to get the people who were following him to back off. He said he was unsure if he shot anyone.

Additional correspondence with officers revealed that Perkins had been displaced from housing the day before and went to the hospital for evaluation, but he had not received the help he wanted, so he obtained a handgun. Perkins said he loaded the handgun with three or four bullets at a time and that everywhere he went, people were following him.

Perkins told officers that vehicles were trying to box him in, and he shot at them to get them to stop. The documents said he confirmed that he had driven along I-5 and shot at vehicles, but he did not indicate where or the exact number of vehicles he shot at. Perkins told officers that the handgun he had used was between the center console and the front passenger seat when officers had stopped him.