Sword-Wielding Man Acquitted

A sword-wielding man who held police at bay and tied up downtown traffic for 11 hours last April won’t be sent to jail.

Anthony Allison was found innocent by reason of insanity Thursday in Seattle Municipal Court. He had been charged with unlawful use of a weapon to intimidate another, unlawful possession of a deadly weapon, obstructing police and resisting arrest.

Because of the acquittal, all charges will be dismissed.

However, Allison remains in custody indefinitely at Western State Hospital following a recent civil commitment, City Attorney Mark Sidran said.