The man accused of throwing rocks and debris at vehicles off of State Route 900 last month pleaded not guilty to charges on Thursday, Oct. 13.
Shawn L. Perantie was arrested and charged on Sept. 27 after there was an investigation spurred on by local drivers and the Renton-Issaquah community. Perantie was charged with second-degree malicious mischief and reckless endangerment due to vehicle damage allegedly caused by the suspect that amounted to over $2,200.
Local drivers who frequent SR 900 had been posting about and discussing a “rock thrower” or “rock lobber” on social media sites like Facebook and NextDoor for some time — complete with photographs, videos and descriptions of the alleged rock thrower’s behavior.
In Washington state, malicious mischief in the second degree is a class C felony and punishable with up to five years in jail that can include or be an alternative to a fine of up to $10,000. Reckless endangerment is considered a gross misdemeanor with a maximum punishment being 364 days in county jail that can include or be an alternative to a fine of up to $5,000.
Perantieis not allowed to leave Washington without permission of the court, he must make no contact with the alleged victims in the case and his bail has been set at $15,000.
During the arraignment hearing, Perantie’s attorney requested that media only take footage and photography of his client from the neck down.
On Sept. 27, Perantie was also formally charged by the state with obstructing a law enforcement officer and disorderly conduct. These charges come after an encounter between Perantie and Washington State Patrol on Aug. 29 that resulted in Perantie being handcuffed, questioned by police and then released. These charges were not referenced at the Oct. 13 arraignment hearing.
Like reckless endangerment, obstructing a law enforcement officer is a gross misdemeanor while disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor, which is punishable with up to 90 days in jail or a fine of $1,000.
Perantie does have prior convictions, including fourth-degree assault, violation of no contact order, driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license in the first and second degree, violation of intentional infliction of emotional distress and making a false or misleading statement to a public servant.
Perantie’s omnibus hearing is set for Oct. 26 and his trial is due to begin Dec. 8.
