Man who damaged Seattle park with stolen excavator arrested again for violating ban

SEATTLE — He has been banned from all of Seattle’s city parks after being arrested for causing extensive property destruction, but on Tuesday, Steve Irwin returned to jail for violating that restriction.

Irwin, 41, was prohibited from entering all parks for one year following his arrest by Seattle police in October for using an excavator to tear up a hillside at Dr. Jose Rizal Park.

Last month, workers with the privately-funded homeless outreach group We Heart Seattle discovered signs that Irwin had ignored the ban and returned to Jose Rizal Park. Program Director Tim Emerson said it started with a tarp stretched across the ground and then a makeshift shelter was dug into the hillside.

“We've been coming to this park for over three years helping different people living in tents in this park and over these years we have met Steve Irwin,” Emerson said. “He has been the one person who just absolutely refuses to leave this side of the park."

Irwin claimed to have permission to rip out the vegetation to build a cabin. He also had plans to mine for gold. In the process, city parks officials said he knocked down dozens of trees and caused thousands of dollars in damage.

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“He brings a path of destruction. He likes to tear out the side of the green belt looking for gold and diamonds,” Emerson said. “He has stolen multiple pieces of equipment from construction sites, bucket loaders, excavators, and such and he just brings it all here and ripping it apart."

Irwin has previously been charged with multiple crimes, including felony malicious mischief, possession of a stolen vehicle, criminal trespass, obstructing a police officer, and vehicle theft.

Irwin has had many chances to get help but so far has refused to enter any programs voluntarily.

“What is happening today is probably the most compassionate thing that could happen for him,” Emerson said. “This is the only way he's going to connect to services. He's not willing to work with anybody or do it on his own."

Irwin was booked for criminal trespass and property damage. It is unclear how long he might remain in custody.