Behavioral hospital patient arrested for alleged assault of multiple people

A 41-year-old man was arrested after allegedly assaulting multiple people at South Sound Behavioral Health Hospital in Lacey, including a fellow patient.

The first incident occurred on July 29, when the suspect, identified as Steven K. Malepeai, 41, reportedly struck another patient in the head and neck area in the facility’s cafeteria without provocation, according to a Lacey Police Department report.

The victim, a 41-year-old man, fell to the ground, hit his head and later received treatment for minor injuries at an undisclosed hospital. 

On Aug. 1, responding officers returned to the facility after told police Malepeai had attacked two staff members the previous night, sending both to an undisclosed hospital with injuries.  

Staff also reported feeling unsafe around Malepeai and said his behavior did not appear to be linked to a mental health condition.

The head of the behavioral hospital stated when he talked with the suspect, “Steven smiles and shows other signs of joy when talking about the attacks.” 

One staff member, a mental health technician, told investigators he was walking to another unit when Malepeai struck him in the face, causing a concussion. Another staff member reported being hit in the face, resulting in injuries to his nose, teeth and tongue.  

Malepeai was arrested and booked into Thurston County Corrections Facility on suspicion of third-degree assault and fourth-degree assault.