Multiple charges for Olympia woman accused of stealing, spitting at officer

An Olympia woman was charged with a felony and two gross misdemeanors after allegedly stealing food from a grocery store, giving a fake name to police, and spitting at an officer.

Sabella Cassandra Barton, 26, was charged with third-degree assault, third-degree theft, and making false or misleading statements to a public servant by the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney on August 10.

Olympia police arrested Barton on August 8 after a reported theft at a Safeway on Martin Way E.

The store manager told authorities that a woman, later identified as Barton, stole $36.14 worth of food and drinks and was eating them in the parking lot.

The responding officer noted that Barton’s behavior was “very odd,” saying that the suspect “would go from not speaking to laughing, to calling me derogatory names.”

Barton initially claimed that she paid for the items with a $20 bill but later said she used a credit card that she has since lost, according to police.

The suspect told police that her name was Isabella T. Savanaa and that she was born on a specific date in 1995. Police said they were unable to find records under this name and Barton refused to cooperate, telling them, “I already gave it to you.”

Police arrested Barton and brought her to the Olympia City Jail. An officer said that while she and Barton were waiting for their turn to undergo the booking process, the suspect spat “likely about 30 times” all over the back seat of her patrol car.

The officer reported Barton also spat at her chest, upper neck, and chin when she was asked to step out of the vehicle.

A spit sock was used on the suspect and she was brought to the Thurston County Jail, where staff recognized her as Barton. She was booked for third-degree assault.