Seattle Crime Report

On February 21, 2025, an incident at 1811 Eastlake Apartments in Seattle led to the arrest of Francis W. Gitungo. Responding to a call about an assault, Officer Adam Price arrived on the scene shortly after the reported altercation between two residents of the building.

According to reports, the confrontation involved Mr. Gitungo and Duane I. Taulaga, who has limited mobility due to the use of prosthetics. Mr. Taulaga claimed that Mr. Gitungo, in a fit of anger possibly related to fears of deportation, pulled him off a chair in the common kitchen and later caused him to fall in the lobby.

Witness Walter Lafleur, a staff member, confirmed observing a heated argument in the lobby, where Mr. Gitungo allegedly pulled Mr. Taulaga's legs, leading to a fall. Although Mr. Taulaga did not sustain visible injuries, he reported neck pain, prompting an evaluation by the Seattle Fire Department.

Video footage corroborates the described sequence of events, showing Mr. Gitungo pulling Mr. Taulaga to the ground. Upon locating Mr. Gitungo in his apartment, Officer Price arrested him on charges of fourth-degree assault under Washington state law.

Both parties were reported as intoxicated, and Mr. Gitungo alleged he was the actual victim. Nevertheless, he struggled to articulate a clear narrative of events. Following his arrest, Mr. Gitungo was taken to King County Jail without further incident.