Suspect In Pike Place Market Fight May Face Felony Charge: Prosecutors

SEATTLE — One of two men arrested for a violent confrontation in Pike Place Market has appeared in court, and may end up facing felony charges for the incident.

The incident, which took place just after 5 p.m. Sunday in the middle of Pike Place's main drag, involved three cars, and ended with the arrest of two drivers. It also injured one uninvolved pedestrian.

According to charging documents, it began when two cars tried to pull into the market from 1st Avenue at the same time — one driven by a 32-year-old man and another driven by a 45-year-old. Both pulled in and stopped in front of the market, but began to argue. The 45-year-old threw water at the other driver, then both men stepped out of their cars. They sparred, and the younger man pushed the older to the ground before hopping back in his Toyota. The 45-year-old man retaliated by punching the 32-year-old through his open window.

While that chaos was unfolding, a third vehicle, a Mazda driven by a 54-year-old man, identified in charging documents as Timothy "Temple" Stephenson, pulled up and the driver also began yelling at the 32-year-old. According to prosecutors, Stephenson then pulled out a hammer, and whacked the 32-year-old's Toyota, shattering its back window. He then returned to his vehicle.

Unfortunately for him, he left the hammer behind, and the 32-year-old grabbed it, and returned to shatter the windshield of Stephenson's Mazda. Stephenson then allegedly plowed his Mazda forward, hitting both the 32-year-old and an uninvolved woman, who police say worked at a nearby store.

Both Stephenson and the 32-year-old man were arrested for their part in the incident, though Stephenson had to be taken to Harborview Medical Center for medical evaluation before he was taken into police custody.

On Monday, Stephenson was the first of the two suspects to appear in court, where the judge found probable cause to hold him for the two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, setting his bail at $100,000. Court documents provided by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office argue that Stephenson's choice to accelerate his vehicle towards his opponent showed "intent to inflict great bodily harm" as he could have instead backed away from the scene to escape.

He may also face felony charges for the incident, though prosecutors say that will depend on documents filed by the Seattle Police Department, which are expected to arrive on Wednesday.

The other driver has yet to appear in court, though the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has said it expects an update on his case soon.

Related: 2 Drivers Arrested After Road Rage Hammer Battle At Pike Place Market