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Man in hostage incident gets 5-1/2 years
July 24, 2008 - 03:47 PM
by Staff Report
MOUNT VERNON — A 59-year-old Burlington man was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in state prison for holding a restaurant full of patrons hostage in April.

Michael R. Katarzy appeared in Skagit County Superior Court Thursday for sentencing. His brother and 25-year girlfriend sat in the audience.

Katarzy pleaded guilty last week to seven charges related to shooting a pistol into the ceiling of Cascade Brewery Restaurant when an employee told him to put out his cigarette.

According to court records, Katarzy is a Vietnam War veteran and suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.