Jacob Bainton, the teenager charged with reckless endangerment, displaying a weapon, and disturbing school activities when he prompted a four-school lockdown last June, was sentenced to a year of jail time and a fine of $5,000.
However, Bainton’s sentence has been suspended for two years, and will not spend any time incarcerated if he completes his probation, which includes obtaining a substance use disorder evaluation and a mental health evaluation and following through with any recommended treatments.
On June 8, police were called out to Enumclaw High School around noon to a report of a weapon threat, and that someone — later found to be Black Diamond resident Bainton, 19 — was riding on a dirt bike with a bow and arrow, pointing it at students. This prompted EHS, Enumclaw Middle School, Southwood Elementary, and Sunrise Elementary to go into modified lockdown.
Bainton took off, and officers received reports of him “riding recklessly throughout the city at high rates of speed” while he fled from officers attempting to stop him. One place Bainton reportedly stopped at was the residence of his ex-girlfriend’s mother; she told police he stopped at her front door, sharpened the head of an arrow, and left a photo of him and his ex on the porch before being confronted by a neighbor and leaving.
Bainton also reportedly visited his brother’s workplace and vandalized the area before leaving.
Police later learned he was hiding in an out-building near Mt. Peak. He was arrested for suspicion of the charges listed above, plus DUI, though that charge was later dropped.
Officers confiscated an air pistol, five throwing stars, two folding knives, a Leatherman tool, and a bow with a single arrow.
It appears Bainton posted to social media one video of him walking around EHS with these weapons on June 7; it’s unclear if the videos took place during or outside of school hours.
Bainton pled guilty to all charges; he was sentenced July 19.
Unlike a deferred sentence, like the one ruled in the Enumclaw High bomb threat case, a suspended sentence means Bainton’s convictions will remain on his record even after his probation period is over.
