A Yelm firefighter accused of assaulting a friend while off-duty last month in Bucoda remains on paid administrative leave and will so until the court’s criminal investigation is complete.
Lance Casto, 47, has been a firefighter with Southeast Thurston Fire Authority since 2003. His personnel file, obtained through a public records request, shows a documented history of alcohol use, run-ins with the law and concerns about anger issues.
He was arrested on Sept. 21 at his Bucoda home for allegedly assaulting a friend and injuring him so badly he had to go to the hospital for a broken nose, fractured cheekbone, broken teeth and lacerations to his feet, face and head.
According to charging papers, the victim’s wife called police at about 10:30 p.m. Friday and reported her husband had been assaulted by Casto.