August 16, 2012 -
KENNEWICK, Wash. - A Benton County Superior Court judge found 48-year-old Ronald Joseph Vailencour not guilty, by reason of insanity, to charges resulting from a January SWAT standoff in which he threatened to kill police.
Judge Cameron Mitchell also found Tuesday that Vailencour is a substantial danger to others and sent him to Eastern State Hospital. Valincour could be held at the hospital or under less-restrictive monitoring for up to 10 years.
Vailencour has a history of mental illness and drug use. He was charged with felony harassment and also faced burglary and malicious mischief chargers for breaking into his ex-wife's apartment.
