BREMERTON — Chal Martin went to Bank of America on Sixth Street just looking to get some cash the afternoon of April 10. He left having had his wallet stolen by a man on what police believe was a meth-fueled rampage.
Bremerton Police arrested Steven Myers, 34, after he reportedly entered Bank of America “speaking gibberish” and then began punching computers and attacking customers.
On April 13, Myers was charged with possession of meth and second degree malicious mischief. Bail was set at $50,000.
Martin, the public works director for the City of Bremerton, was one of the customers attacked by Myers.
“I think the reason he got interested in me was because I mouthed to one of the tellers ‘call 9-1-1,’” Martin said. “The kid (Myers) came over to me and darn if he didn’t punch me in the shoulder.”
Myers then chased Martin around an island counter, but then lost interest and then went after another customer, Martin said. That customer tripped and fell and then Myers punched him in the head, Martin said.
Myers again chased Martin, eventually kicking him in the “backside,” striking Martin’s wallet and knocking it onto the floor. Myers took the wallet and exited the building.
Martin’s wallet was later returned to him.
“I think that everybody did the right thing in trying to get away from him,” Martin said. “I’m very glad everyone was OK.”
Police contacted Myers behind the bank. According to police reports, an officer had a Taser pointed at Myers, who had his hands in the air while walking backwards “in a fashion that was almost like he was dancing.”
Police shot Myers with a Taser, but it didn’t have any noticeable effect. A Taser probe was later found dangling from his shirt, according to the reports.
Myers soon complied and was arrested.
Another officer said Myers was talking “extremely fast,” had a bright red face and his body was hot to the touch.
After emergency services arrived, Myers was initially given 50 milligrams of ketamine to sedate him. It wasn’t enough. From the report: “In total 200 milligrams was administered and Myers was still fairly animated.”
While laying on a hospital bed following the incident, Myers reportedly said “I’m really high.”
Officers said it was the first coherent thing they’d heard him say.
