SPOKANE, Wash. – Marcus Vert, 34, was arrested and charged with three counts of felony harassment after Spokane Police said he threatened to shoot and kill several Providence Sacred Heart security officers on Tuesday.
Vert made his first appearance in court Wednesday afternoon. He is being held on a $10,000 bond in the Spokane County Jail.
According to court documents, Vert was discharged from Sacred Heart on Tuesday but refused to leave. Three security officers told police he began arguing with them until the situation dangerously escalated. The security officers recited almost the exact same statement to SPD on Tuesday.
They each said Vert told them quote:
“I am from Tacoma and we do drive-by’s.”
“I will be back at night and will shoot you all.”
“You’re not going to be happy tonight when I return and shoot you all up.”
“I will kill you and your whole family.”
End quote.
The security officers also told police Vert held up his arms as if to be holding an “invisible rifle” and aimed the gun the wasn’t there at each of them one-by-one. Vert allegedly said he had a pistol. Eventually he left the hospital grounds but was found shortly after hiding under Interstate 90 and was taken into custody.
In a statement, Providence said quote:
”At Providence, the safety of our caregivers, patients, and visitors is our top priority. We do not tolerate violence of any kind within our facilities. Our dedicated security team responded quickly to ensure the safety of everyone involved, and we are grateful for their professionalism. We are also thankful for the swift assistance of local law enforcement, with whom we maintain a strong partnership with to provide a secure environment for all. Providence is committed to upholding a safe workplace, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our community.”
In court Wednesday, the defense argued Vert was experiencing a mental health crisis and incarceration would harm his mental state. But in the end, the judge sided with the prosecution, agreeing Vert posed a threat to the public.
“Threats of killing individuals do create safety concerns, you also have significant failure to appear history, and you are on probation in two different jurisdictions,” the judge said. “So, you’re basically not following directions from prior court orders.”
While the prosecution asked for a bond of $25,000, the judge ruled Vert would be held on $15,000 less at $10,000. Vert’s arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 1.
