A 46-year-old transient woman was arrested for third-degree assault after she allegedly kicked a Port Townsend police officer Friday.

Officers were called to the Pope Marine Building in Port Townsend just after 2 p.m. Dec. 9.

A person at the building, which was being used as a warming center, said a woman was having a mental health episode and needed help.

Police discovered the woman, soon identified as Myriah Mae Beaubien, was wanted on an arrest warrant for third-degree theft.

Officers found Beaubien sitting at a table inside, and she had wrapped her head in duct tape, which she said was to help keep her warm.

Beaubien was described as “manic,” and after she was placed in handcuffs, she kicked an officer on his left shin as she was being led to a patrol car, according to court records.

In his report, the officer said he experienced temporary pain but was left with no visible injuries.

Beaubien was taken to the county jail and booked Friday afternoon.

During her first appearance in Jefferson County Superior Court, Deputy Prosecutor Melissa Pleimann noted that Beaubien had previously been charged with assault and had more than
40 arrest warrants in her criminal history.

Pleimann said the defendant was a high risk to not show up in court and was also a risk to commit another offense. She asked that bail be set at $5,000.

Lillian Powers, an attorney representing Beaubien, noted Beaubien’s indigent status and asked that bail be set at $500.

Judge Keith Harper said it appeared the charge was connected to a serious mental health situation but added that Beaubien did have a history of warrants.

He set bail at $500.

Conviction of third-degree assault of a police officer can result in a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.