information from Seattle Police Department and King County Prosecuting Attorney

Police arrested a man in possession of a rifle and a stolen car in the Riverview neighborhood on Wednesday, after a 911 caller reported he was asleep at the wheel of a vehicle on a walking trail.

Just after 3:00 p.m., a park goer reported a man asleep in a red pickup truck parked on a footpath in the greenbelt area of Riverview Park. When responding officers contacted the man, he fled on foot into the woods. Police quickly discovered the truck had been registered stolen earlier this week in North Seattle, and spotted a rifle in the backseat.

With the help of King County Sheriff’s Office helicopter Guardian One, SPD officers on the ground found the suspect hiding in the greenbelt and arrested him.

Police transported the 26-year-old man to King County Jail to book him for possession of a stolen car and unlawful possession of a firearm. It appears part of the rifle was still being constructed. Nevertheless, the suspect is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. However, during the booking process at KCJ, the suspect deliberately punched a concrete pillar, causing injuries which required treatment at Harborview Medical Center. Officers plan to book the man into jail when he is medically cleared at the hospital.

This afternoon, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office argued that the suspect Joseph Depaco is a danger to the community and that he should be held in jail on $75,000 bail.

He was not allowed to have the gun from previous felony convictions in a cases charged by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Police said he also had a full black face mask and ballistic vest.

A judge found probable cause for second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and obstruction and set bail at $50,000.

The prosecutor's office anticipates having this case will be referred to them by Feb. 14 for a charging decision. Mr. Depaco is expected to remain in jail on the bail amount set by the judge.