Man who threw gas-filled bottles at officers gets 3 years

Wil Casey Floyd was identified by law enforcement from video footage of May Day 2016.

  • By Wire Service
  • Friday, June 1, 2018 5:20pm
  • Northwest

Associated Press

SEATTLE — A man who threw gasoline-filled beer bottles at Seattle police during a May Day protest in 2016, injuring one officer, has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Wil Casey Floyd, formerly of Seattle and most recently of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, was arrested nearly a year later, after he was identified by law enforcement from video footage. He pleaded guilty in February to unlawful possession of a destructive device.

Federal prosecutors said Floyd threw five unlit Molotov cocktails at police as an anarchist group caused a disturbance during the protest. One broke at the feet of an officer, spilling gasoline which ignited when a flash-bang grenade went off. The flames burned the officer’s pants and leg.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office recommended the sentence of 37 months, which is below the guideline range of about four to five years, noting that Floyd has suffered from mental health issues and had no prior criminal history.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Northwest

The so-called “big, beautiful bill” that congressional Republicans approved in July included a total of $50 billion for the Rural Health Transformation Program. The money is meant to offset some of the expected damage to rural hospitals from the law’s steep cuts to Medicaid. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Washington makes pitch to feds for $1B in rural health funding

The money was included in Republicans’ “big, beautiful bill.” The state’s goals include strengthening the rural health workforce and improving care in tribal communities.

Screenshot from the state Employment Security Department’s website at esd.wa.gov. (File photo)
Expected slide in WA unemployment trust fund balance could trigger new tax

Washington businesses would need to shoulder roughly $700 million in additional taxes… Continue reading

The Washington state Capitol. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)
State Democrats mull imposing income tax on higher earners

The idea is brewing ahead of the 2026 legislative session. It would target those making above $1 million. The state is one of nine that does not tax wages.

Washington state Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove speaks at a press conference on wildfire issues Monday in Tumwater. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)
Climate dollars eyed to backfill WA wildfire funding

Washington’s lands commissioner, Dave Upthegrove, is on a mission to secure $60… Continue reading

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, left, shakes hands with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman Bill Iyall after signing an executive order to improve the state’s relations with tribal governments on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Washington governor’s office)
WA governor moves to improve state consultation with tribes

A new directive expands tribal relations training for state workers among other actions. Tribal leaders voiced support.

New map tracks measles exposures across Washington

Afraid you may have been exposed to measles? Washington’s Department of Health… Continue reading

A combine at work in wheat fields in the Walla Walla region during 2018. (Washington State Department of Agriculture)
State halts rebates to farmers hit with fuel fees under WA climate law

Instead, a new online directory shows retailers who provide the farm fuel exemption by not imposing surcharges.

Washington transportation officials say a lack of funding means dollars intended for preservation and maintenance are the ones diverted to deal with emergency situations. Before (left) and after (right) photos of the mudslide and cleanup on State Route 20 following an Aug. 11 mudslide. (Washington State Department of Transportation)
‘Early stages of critical failure’: Outlook grim for road upkeep

Billions more dollars are needed for preserving highways and bridges, WSDOT says. The agency’s leader didn’t request more maintenance money for 2026.

Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown, seen here during a January interview, is sparring with members of Congress over the state’s immigration policy (Photo by Ryan Berry/Washington state Standard)
Washington AG pushing new law to protect workers from immigration raids

The proposal would require businesses to tell employees if ICE is coming to inspect company records in search of employees who are not legally able to work in the country.

A helicopter conducts bucket drops over the Bear Gulch Fire. (Olympic National Forest)
WA officials take stock as wildfire season winds down

With fall weather dampening wildland fire conditions in Washington, officials are beginning… Continue reading

WA’s food aid program for infants and mothers now funded through October

When the federal shutdown began Oct. 1, officials said money for the benefits could run out in a couple of weeks.

A different utility lines branch off in different directions from a utility pole along Railroad Avenue in 2024 in Skykomish. A bill proposed this year looked to add civil penalties for scrapyards that make deals for stolen copper used in telecommunication cables, but it failed to gain traction in the Legislature despite bipartisan support. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Utilities and telecoms turn to WA lawmakers for help as copper wire theft surges

Legislators are looking at tougher penalties and new requirements for scrapyards.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.