A Port Angeles woman, 41, has been charged with a felony assault following an evening welfare check that culminated in officers transporting her to a patrol vehicle, where she allegedly struck a officer in the abdomen with a kick.

The incident unfolded Wednesday evening near Seventh and Laurel streets, prompting multiple witnesses to contact authorities after observing the woman behaving erratically in the neighborhood. She was described by one caller as “acting crazy” and noted for approaching and halting vehicles, while another reported her tossing a soda can at a man riding a scooter.

By the time officers arrived, the woman—identified as Deanna L. Long—was seen pursuing a vehicle through an intersection before approaching a pedestrian on foot and interacting with his backpack in what appeared to be a confrontational manner. Officers recognized Long from previous encounters and noted a prior alert indicating heightened risk for assaults on law enforcement personnel.

During the initial interaction, dispatch confirmed an active felony arrest warrant for Long. As Officer Whitney Fairbanks prepared to apply restraints, Long clung to a chain-link fence, prompting her and Corporal Cooper to guide her into a prone position. The narrative states she resisted repositioning, resisted having her arms secured behind her back, and even seized one of the handcuffs mid-process.

Long reportedly remained mobile and agitated throughout, appearing impaired, and required physical assistance to remain grounded as additional officers arrived. When a patrol vehicle was brought over, Officers Bennett, Emery, and Fairbanks jointly lifted her and carried her to the cruiser, with Bennett supporting her upper body while Emery and Fairbanks managed her lower limbs.

As she was being seated in the rear of the patrol car, Long delivered a forceful kick to Officer Emery’s midsection. She was booked into Clallam County’s corrections facility and remained in custody Thursday pending $10,000 bail.

Her first court appearance occurred the next day before Judge Elizabeth Stanley in Clallam County Superior Court, where probable cause was established on three charges: third-degree assault of a law enforcement officer, obstructing a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest.

The assault charge is classified as a Class C felony, carrying a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, or a combination of both, along with potential restitution and court assessments. The obstruction count is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine, while the resisting arrest count is a misdemeanor, with a possible sentence of up to 90 days in custody and a $1,000 fine.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tracey Lassus formally filed the criminal information Thursday afternoon, setting the stage for arraignment later that same day at 1 p.m.

In a supplementary narrative filed with the court, Fairbanks noted that Emery reported temporary pain but did not have visible marks on the areas where she was allegedly kicked.

Jail Booking Procedures

According to the incident report, after police transported Long to the detention facility, she began striking her head against the partition and kicking the door panels while the patrol vehicle remained in the sally port. When Officer Bennett opened the door to attempt to stop the behavior, the report indicates that Long extended her legs outside the vehicle to prevent the door from closing.

Fairbanks wrote that Clallam County Sheriff’s Office corrections personnel assumed responsibility for the booking process. Because Long did not follow their directives, staff physically carried her into a holding cell.

Current Case Status

During the hearing held on Thursday, Judge Stanley determined that probable cause existed for the arrest. The judge reviewed Long’s legal rights and assigned a public defender to handle her representation, as recorded in the court minutes.

Long’s legal counsel addressed the court regarding RCW 10.77, the state statute governing competency evaluations, and indicated that he would not file a motion under that specific law at this stage.

Based on the charges filed and Long’s prior criminal record or warrant history, the prosecution requested a bail amount of $10,000 for the new case. Long’s attorney reserved the right to argue the matter later, and the court approved the requested bail figure.

On the same day, Long also appeared in court regarding a bench warrant from a separate matter. The hearing was scheduled as both a bench warrant hearing and a preliminary appearance. Police records show that dispatch verified the existence of a felony arrest warrant for Long prior to her custody on Wednesday.

If Long posts bail, her release conditions mandate that she maintain a physical residence and limit her travel to within Washington state.

Long has not yet entered a plea in either case. An arraignment for both matters is scheduled for this afternoon at 1 p.m.