TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Pierce County prosecutors have filed assault, harassment and animal cruelty charges against a 19-year-old man they say told police he had a strong desire to kill people and was preparing by killing birds, squirrels and his family cat.
Lakewood, Wash., police found Matthew G. Williams unconscious in his car on July 8. He was wearing a black mask and sunglasses and had a pellet rifle. Officers also found a rifle scope, .22 caliber firearm ammunition and a large machete. Earlier that day, police received a call that a person matching Williams’ description had fired a pellet rifle at a man waiting at a bus stop.
According to court documents, Williams said he bought the gun thinking it was a real rifle. The documents allege he also said he planned to target homeless people and “average” white men with no family ties.
It was not immediately known Tuesday if he had a lawyer.
