Another Intercity Transit bus driver harassed, this time threatened with a knife

A man threatened an Intercity Transit Bus driver at the downtown station with a knife after being told not to board with an open container of liquor on April 15, 2021.

Warren Belford, 36, was denied entry to the bus, then tried to board a second bus but was denied entry there as well, according to the Olympia Police report.  At some point, he tried kicking out the windows to the bus.

Intercity Transit Bus Operation Supervisor Al Heinemeyer had directed Belford off of the property. Belford tossed the bottle of liquor that he was carrying, which broke on the ground as he headed west on the sidewalk along Washington Street.

Heinemeyer started walking back toward the bus loading area when he heard Belford charging him from behind. Heinemeyer turned and saw Belford had a large folding-style pocket knife open, pointing it at him. After making threatening comments, Belford left as Olympia Police were being asked to respond.

Olympia Police originally checked the alley way behind the building, but did not find Belford. Two witnesses from the building told Olympia Police that Belford had been “an issue” for hours.

Officers found Belford “intoxicated” on Capitol Way, sitting on a bench in front of the 222 Market Building. He had “slurred speech and droopy eyes” and refused multiple commands to stand up. There was a large bag sitting next to Belford on the bench. Belford told police that he did nothing wrong and just wanted to leave, telling the officers to go away.

At the time of his arrest, a search of Belford revealed a folding pocket knife in his possession.

While being turned to an Olympia Patrol car, Belford allegedly spat at one of the officers. A spit mask was applied to Belford’s head to prevent any more spitting.

Warren Belford was booked into the Thurston County Jail for felony harassment and felony assault of an officer.