Two WA men were arrested in mental health crises. Only one survived

In Crisis: Jim Curtice's Yelling and Tussling with Sheriff's Deputies

In the early hours of October 6, 2024, two men in Washington state found themselves in the midst of a mental health crisis, leading to their arrests. Only one of them survived, leaving a trail of questions about the intersection of mental health, law enforcement, and the justice system. This article delves into the complex and often heart-wrenching realities faced by those struggling with their mental health, highlighting the urgent need for more comprehensive and compassionate responses to these crises.

The Tragic Case of Jim Curtice

Background

Jim Curtice, a 45-year-old father of two, had been battling depression and anxiety for years. His condition worsened over the past few months, culminating in a severe mental health episode that would change his life forever.

The Incident

On the fateful night, Jim's family reported him to the authorities, concerned for his safety and well-being. When sheriff's deputies arrived at his house, they found him in a state of extreme agitation. He was yelling and tussling with the deputies, who were trying to calm him down.

Arrest and Aftermath

Despite their best efforts, the situation escalated, and Jim was eventually subdued and taken into custody. The incident highlights a common dilemma faced by law enforcement officers when dealing with mental health crises: how to protect both the individual and others while ensuring the person receives the necessary care.

Key Issues:

• Lack of Training: Law enforcement officers often lack the necessary training to handle mental health emergencies effectively.
• Inadequate Resources: The mental health system in Washington state has long been criticized for its inadequate resources, including insufficient beds in psychiatric facilities.
• Disproportionate Impact: People with mental illness are disproportionately affected by the justice system, often facing charges and incarceration rather than receiving the help they need.

Survival and Recovery

Miraculously, Jim survived the ordeal but faced serious consequences. He was charged with felony assault and spent several weeks in jail before being transferred to a state psychiatric hospital for treatment. His case underscores the need for diversion programs and more comprehensive mental health services, as many individuals like Jim are funneled into the criminal justice system without receiving the care they need.

The Tragic Case of Kevin

Background

Kevin, a 47-year-old man from outside Seattle, had been experiencing symptoms of severe mental illness for several years. His condition had deteriorated significantly in the months leading up to his arrest.

The Incident

On the night of his arrest, Kevin called 911 reporting that children were throwing rocks at his house and harassing him. When police officers arrived, they believed he was experiencing a mental health crisis and took him to an emergency room for evaluation.

Arrest and Aftermath

While receiving treatment, Kevin became increasingly agitated, spitting at nurses and slapping one of them. The police returned to the hospital, arrested him, and took him to jail. He spent nearly eight months in jail waiting for a bed at a state psychiatric hospital. His case is not an isolated incident; many people with serious mental illness are arrested and incarcerated instead of receiving the help they need.

Key Issues:

• Felony Assault Charges: Washington state law makes any assault on a healthcare worker a felony, leading to disproportionate charges against individuals in mental health crises.
• Involuntary Commitment: People under involuntary commitment orders are still at risk of facing criminal charges, highlighting the need for more nuanced approaches to mental health care.
• Delayed Treatment: The wait time for psychiatric hospital beds can be months, exacerbating the suffering of those in crisis.

The Systemic Challenges

The stories of Jim Curtice and Kevin highlight the systemic challenges facing Washington state's mental health system. These include:

- Lack of Resources:

• Inadequate Training:
• Disproportionate Impact:

Progress and Hope

Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has made significant strides in addressing the crisis of mentally ill defendants stuck in county jails. The acquisition of a private psychiatric hospital in Tukwila has reduced the number of defendants waiting for treatment from over 500 to just 15.

Key Actions:

• Acquiring New Facilities: The purchase and staffing of Cascade Behavioral Health Hospital have significantly improved treatment options.
• Legislative Action: The state has invested in mental health services, including $100 million in funding for involuntary treatment.
• Court Rulings: The Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of In re the Detention of D.W. has ensured that patients cannot be boarded in hospitals due to overcrowding.

Conclusion

The tragic cases of Jim Curtice and Kevin underscore the urgent need for a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to mental health crises in Washington state. By addressing the systemic issues of inadequate resources, insufficient training, and disproportionate impact, we can ensure that individuals in crisis receive the help they need rather than being funneled into the justice system.

Ultimately, this is not just a matter of policy; it is about human lives. As we continue to push for reform, we must remember the stories of those who have been caught in the cracks of a system that often fails them.

---

References:

• Seattle Police Department and mental health crises: Arrest, emergency detention, and referral to services
  • ScienceDirect
• Protections for health care workers lead to more felony arrests for those in mental crisis
  • OPB
• They Were in a Mental Health Crisis at a Hospital. This Is How They Were Prosecuted.
  • The Marshall Project
• WA makes progress on crisis of mentally ill defendants in jail
  • KING 5
• Mental Health Boarding: In Re Detention of DW and the Legislative Response
  • WSHA