MUKILTEO—Mukilteo Police officers arrested a 44-year-old Everett woman following a disturbance at the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal, early Tuesday morning, that caused an extended delay in the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry route impacting up to 2,000 riders. In 2023, the ferry route served approximately 3.6 million riders according to the Washington State Ferries’ Route Statement.

The incident occurred just after 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23. A ferry employee called 911 reporting a female at a ticket booth was causing a disturbance. The female, in a motorhome, bypassed the ticket booth and parked in a ferry holding lane.

Mukilteo officers and Washington State Patrol arrived. The female made threats towards the officers and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. At one point, she also stated that she would drive off her motorhome off of the dock creating a life-threatening situation. Officers made continued attempts at de-escalation and a negotiator was brought in from a neighboring agency.

After attempting communication for over an hour, officers put pepper-ball rounds through an open window of the motorhome which resulted in the female exiting the vehicle then taken into custody without issue. The woman was evaluated and transported to the hospital by the aid crew for a mental health evaluation.

Washington State Ferries posted a travel alert to X canceling the 6:30 a.m. Mukilteo/Clinton ferry because of the incident. By 7:40 a.m., a second post read, “Muk/Clin-Update: Passenger Only Loading in Mukilteo.” Full two-boat service was announced at 7:50 a.m.

According to documents, the 44-year-old Everett woman is currently in the Snohomish County Jail on a $2,000 bond. She is facing initial charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct that include abusive language to provoke assault, ignition interlock violation, and a DUI misdemeanor with prior [drugs]. Her court date is scheduled for 9:40 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Multiple agencies responded including Washington State Patrol, Arlington Police Department, and Mill Creek Police Department.

In its press release, the Mukilteo Police Department wrote: “We are appreciative of our partnership with our neighboring agencies. No officers were injured during the incident. We appreciate the patience of the public, ferry staff, and commuters. There is not a threat to the community. There is no further information at this time.”