PORT TOWNSEND, WA – James Kennedy, Elected Prosecutor for Jefferson County, announced today the resolution of the criminal case involving Steve Bert Redhead arising from the March 31, 2025 burglary and vandalism at Brinnon Fire Department Station 41.

After protracted negotiations between the parties regarding Redhead’s mental state and sentencing options available to the prosecutor, Redhead pled guilty to Malicious Mischief in the Second Degree. Pursuant to Washington's Sentencing Reform Act and the applicable sentencing range for the offense of conviction, the maximum sentence was 60 days in custody. The court imposed a sentence of two days in the Jefferson County Jail, which Redhead had already served due to his arrest. As a result of the felony conviction, Redhead is prohibited under both state and federal law from possessing firearms.

The case stemmed from events occurring the evening of March 31, beginning with a 9-1-1 call from Redhead who reported multiple armed individuals were burglarizing his residence near Brinnon. Deputies responded and conducted an investigation but found no evidence to support the reported burglary, instead noting Redhead was experiencing significant paranoia but not to the level that would allow them to take any civil action.

After clearing the residence, law enforcement were later dispatched to Brinnon Fire Department Station 41, located at 272 Schoolhouse Road. Witnesses reported that Redhead had forced entry into the occupied fire station by breaking a front office window.

Fire personnel inside the station observed Redhead pacing throughout the engine bay while causing extensive property damage. Investigators determined that he used a chair to shatter windows before obtaining a Stihl weed trimmer from inside the station and using it to break additional plate-glass garage door windows.

Deputies entered the fire station and located Redhead between two fire engines. He was suffering from cuts and abrasions consistent with breaking glass and continued making statements indicating that he believed armed individuals were surrounding the building. Redhead was taken into custody without further incident.

Investigators recovered several knives from Redhead's person but located no firearm. However, deputies noted that during the earlier 9-1-1 call Redhead had stated that he was armed with a firearm while confronting the individuals he believed were attempting to burglarize his property.

As a result of the damage and uncertainty regarding the condition of emergency equipment, Brinnon Fire Department temporarily suspended emergency operations while personnel secured the scene and assessed equipment. During that period, neighboring Quilcene Fire Department provided mutual aid coverage and emergency medical transport capabilities.

Sheriff Andy Pernsteiner praised his deputies for quickly and safely de-escalating the situation. “We train to handle situations with mentally ill offenders and my deputies handled the situation appropriately. But we still need help from the State. We need hospitals and outpatient services to intervene before these situations become a crisis requiring deputies to respond.”

Prosecutor Kennedy emphasized that the circumstances surrounding the case highlight broader challenges involving Washington State's mental health system. Since the 1980’s Redhead had frequent contacts with law enforcement and a dozen convictions involving things like alcohol abuse, firearms, explosives, and illegally carrying concealed firearms. Despite this record he maintained his right to legally possess firearms. Kennedy noted that repeated interactions between law enforcement and individuals like Redhead who are experiencing severe mental health crises often reveal gaps in long-term treatment resources and intervention options.

"The facts of this case demonstrate the difficulty faced by first responders, families, and communities when significant mental health issues are not adequately addressed," Kennedy stated. "This matter should serve as an opportunity to continue discussions regarding the availability of effective mental health services and long-term public safety solutions."

Officials encourage anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or observing a loved one in crisis to seek assistance through available behavioral health resources and crisis intervention services before situations escalate to the point of requiring emergency law enforcement intervention.

In Jefferson County the following resources are available at:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – 988

Discovery Behavioral Health – 360.385.0321 or info@discoverybh.org

Salish Regional Crisis Line – 888.910.0416

Veteran’s Crisis Line – 800.273.8255 press 1 or test 838255

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is led by Sheriff Andy Pernsteiner and serves the residents of Jefferson County, Washington, with a mission to protect lives, property, and community well-

being through proactive law enforcement, victim support, and public engagement. Learn more at https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/172/Sheriff

About Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office is led by James Kennedy and serves the residents of Jefferson County, Washington, with a mission to protect the community and give victims a voice in the criminal justice system. Learn more at https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/347/Prosecuting-Attorneys-Office