Seattle Police Respond to Domestic Disturbance Involving Threats of Harm
In a tense situation that unfolded on the night of February 13, 2025, Seattle Police officers responded to a domestic disturbance call involving Gabriel Medina, a reportedly intoxicated male at a residence on 5834, Unit [], Seattle. Officers were dispatched following a report of an aggressive male, identified as Medina, yelling at a female, later identified as his mother, Ruth Gulelat, demanding she speak to him and get him a beer.
Upon arrival, Officer James Kaukula and Officer Edgar Carbajal found themselves involved in a precarious situation. Medina, reportedly intoxicated and locked in a bathroom with running water, had allegedly threatened to harm himself and his mother. Gulelat, who opened the apartment door for the officers, expressed grave concern for Medina's wellbeing, especially given his threats, which she claimed were unprecedented.
The officers attempted to make contact with Medina without success. After entering the bathroom upon hearing the water running, they found Medina partially submerged in the bathtub with beer cans nearby. Although Medina was initially non-responsive, he later yelled at the officers to leave, complicating efforts to ensure his safety.
As the situation escalated, Sergeant Stephanie Marks arrived and determined that the officers had probable cause to arrest Medina for domestic violence harassment. His behavior, marked by belligerence, further deteriorated when Medina spat on Officer Carbajal during the arrest process, leading to an additional charge of assault against an officer.
Throughout the intervention, officers took necessary precautions, including placing a spit sock on Medina to prevent further incidents. Medina was subsequently transported to King County Jail for booking after declining to cooperate and refusing to use his legs, necessitating additional support from officers.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in domestic disturbance scenarios, particularly involving subjects with histories of intoxication and aggression. Medina’s case has been referred to the Seattle Law Department for prosecution.