Man Free Despite Repeated Arrests Pattern Of Indecent Exposure, But Residents, Officials Helpless

Neighbors, prosecutors, social workers, a judge, even Norman K. Arndt’s own lawyers are frustrated.

Ten times in the past year he has been charged with indecent exposure, often after dropping his pants in an apartment window overlooking the swimming pool at the complex where he lives in this Seattle suburb.

Each time he was jailed and taken to court, only to be released as incompetent to stand trial but not deranged enough to be committed to a mental institution.

“There is nothing more frustrating,” said Jim Ferrell, a municipal prosecutor. “Do we need to wait for a felony, for a victim, until we act? If we know somebody’s mentally unstable, let’s take them off the streets.”

Municipal judges don’t have authority to lock someone up on mental grounds, so unless that person commits a felony, or mental health officials seek a civil commitment, they have no choice but to release him.

Ferrell cited police reports indicating that Arndt’s behavior has become more brazen in recent months.

Nonetheless, at a recent civil commitment hearing, a court commissioner ruled that Arndt posed no immediate threat of physical harm to himself or others and thus could remain free.

Arndt, 53, has Huntington’s chorea, a degenerative disease that killed his mother and sister and has seriously impaired his motor skills and thought processes. Tall and skinny with wild, graying hair, Arndt is seized by uncontrollable tics and jerks. The disease also has been blamed for his dementia.

In a recent report, Dr. Frederick Wise determined Arndt was competent while in jail but unable to comprehend the nature, consequences or wrongfulness of his acts.

Arndt, who lives on a veteran’s disability with another disabled person, denied in court last week that he was a danger.

“I haven’t hurt anyone. I haven’t touched anyone,” he testified.

Arndt has refused voluntary commitment. When Municipal Court Judge Corrina Harn ordered yet another evaluation, he told her, “You’re wasting my time and yours, Your Honor.”

Neighbors, including a woman who said Arndt exposed himself to her 5-year-old stepdaughter, want him gone.

“Our biggest concern is all the children who live around here,” she said. “It’s harmful. It’s not physical, but I don’t want my daughter seeing that. It’s ridiculous.”

Several residents of the Springtree Condominiums in the Renton Highlands say managers should have him evicted. A manager would not comment.

A lawyer for Arndt, Tricia Grove-Brown, said he would be best served by commitment. Western State Hospital even has a specific ward for people with his disease, she noted.

“It’s sad because he is suffering from a disease that is going to kill him,” Grove-Brown said, “but we know we’re going to see Mr. Arndt back here.”

Donna Tucker, a lawyer who represented Arndt for several years when he had minor scrapes with the law in Bellevue, also said Arndt needs help.

“To keep arresting him and letting him go isn’t the solution,” Tucker said. “I don’t think he would hurt anyone, but I can’t make that guarantee.”