Terrifying Scene in Washington: Woman Cuts Herself, Screaming That ‘Something Inside Wants Out’

Tacoma, Washington — October 2025

A Disturbing Night in Tacoma

Police in Tacoma, Washington, are investigating a bizarre and deeply disturbing incident involving a woman who reportedly mutilated herself while screaming that “something inside her body was trying to get out.” The shocking event occurred late Tuesday night outside a small apartment complex on Cedar Avenue, leaving residents horrified and shaken.

Witnesses described the woman, believed to be in her early 30s, as disoriented and in visible distress. According to multiple accounts, she was seen clutching a kitchen knife, pacing back and forth, and cutting into her own skin while muttering incoherently.

“She was crying and yelling, saying, ‘It’s inside me! It wants to come out!’” recalled Robert Ellis, a tenant who lives across the courtyard. “At first, I thought she was being attacked — but then I realized she was doing it to herself. It was horrifying.”

Several residents immediately called 911. Within minutes, police and paramedics arrived at the scene and were able to safely restrain the woman before she inflicted further injury.

Emergency Response and Medical Care

First responders said the woman had multiple deep lacerations on her arms and torso. Despite significant bleeding, she remained conscious and continued shouting incoherent phrases as paramedics treated her.

“She seemed terrified, like she really believed something was inside her,” said Officer Hannah Ruiz, one of the first responders. “We had to hold her down gently just to stop her from hurting herself more. It wasn’t aggression — it was panic.”

The woman was rushed to Tacoma General Hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment and was later transferred to the psychiatric unit for further evaluation. Hospital officials have not released her name, citing medical privacy laws, but confirmed she is in stable condition.

Authorities said no drugs or alcohol were immediately detected in her system, though toxicology tests are pending. Investigators are also reviewing whether she has a prior history of psychiatric illness or trauma.

Witness Accounts: “Like She Was Fighting Something Invisible”

Residents who saw the incident described the scene as surreal and chilling.

“She was screaming about something living inside her,” said Kelly Moran, another witness. “At one point, she clawed at her stomach and said, ‘It’s moving, it’s alive.’ It didn’t look like someone pretending — she was genuinely terrified.”

Several neighbors said they had noticed the woman behaving oddly in recent weeks — talking to herself, standing motionless in her yard at night, or claiming to hear voices in the walls.

“I saw her last week and she looked exhausted, like she hadn’t slept for days,” said Ellis. “She told me her body didn’t feel like her own anymore. I didn’t know what to say — I just thought she needed rest.”

Police: “Likely a Severe Psychotic Episode”

Police investigators believe the woman may have suffered from an acute psychotic breakdown — possibly linked to untreated mental illness, extreme stress, or trauma.

“This appears to be a psychiatric crisis, not a criminal act,” said Lt. Marcus Hall, spokesperson for the Tacoma Police Department. “There’s no evidence of foul play, and she was alone at the time. Our priority now is to ensure she receives the medical and psychological help she needs.”

Authorities added that no one else was injured during the incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. However, the unsettling nature of the event has sparked fear and sympathy among local residents.

Experts Weigh In: When the Mind Turns Against the Body

Mental health experts say that such cases, though rare, can occur in individuals experiencing psychotic delusions, body dysmorphia, or dissociative disorders — conditions in which the brain perceives false sensations or beliefs as reality.

“People experiencing severe psychosis may genuinely believe something foreign exists inside them,” explained Dr. Laura Chen, a psychiatrist at the University of Washington Medical Center. “These delusions feel completely real — the person’s brain interprets false sensations as threats, and they may harm themselves trying to ‘remove’ what isn’t there.”

Dr. Chen emphasized that untreated mental illness, combined with stress or isolation, can rapidly escalate to dangerous behavior. “Without intervention, paranoia or hallucinations can consume a person’s sense of reality. It’s terrifying — both for them and for those around them.”

A Growing Mental Health Crisis

The case has reignited concern over Washington’s growing mental health crisis. According to a 2024 report from the Washington Department of Health, emergency psychiatric calls have increased by more than 30% in the past two years. Hospitals across the state are reporting overcrowded psychiatric units and long wait times for treatment.

“Mental health support systems are stretched thin,” said Dr. Robert Martinez, a public health advocate in Seattle. “People in crisis often don’t get the help they need until it’s too late — when they’re already a danger to themselves.”

Experts note that early signs of mental instability — including paranoia, insomnia, or self-isolation — often go unnoticed or unaddressed due to stigma. “Many people are afraid to admit they need psychiatric help,” Dr. Martinez added. “We must break that silence.”

Community Reaction: Fear, Shock, and Compassion

The residents of the Cedar Avenue apartment complex are still processing what they witnessed. Many said they’ve been unable to sleep since the incident.

“I keep hearing her screams in my head,” said Moran. “It wasn’t anger. It was pure terror. You could tell she truly believed she was being attacked from the inside.”

Some neighbors have left flowers and candles outside the woman’s door, expressing sympathy and hope for her recovery. “She’s not a monster,” said Ellis softly. “She’s someone who needs help — not judgment.”

Local advocacy groups, including NAMI Washington (National Alliance on Mental Illness), have reached out to the community to offer counseling and educational sessions on recognizing mental health warning signs.

Police Urge Compassion and Awareness

Police are urging the public to approach such incidents with empathy rather than fear or ridicule. Videos of the event briefly circulated online before being taken down, with officials asking people not to share the footage.

“It’s easy to sensationalize something like this,” Lt. Hall said. “But behind the shock, there’s a person in pain. The right response isn’t mockery — it’s compassion and awareness.”

He also reminded residents that if they ever witness similar behavior, they should not intervene directly but instead call 911 for trained professionals.

Conclusion: A Frightening Reminder of Fragile Minds

The Tacoma incident serves as a haunting reminder of how fragile the human mind can be — and how quickly fear, loneliness, or untreated illness can spiral into tragedy.

As of Thursday, doctors say the woman is recovering physically and has begun responding to medication, though she remains under psychiatric observation.

Authorities hope her story will prompt others struggling with mental health to seek help before reaching a breaking point.

“What she experienced wasn’t a monster inside her,” said Dr. Chen. “It was pain — invisible, untreated, and screaming to be heard.”