On 12/24/11, an officer was working in full uniform at Century Link Field at the Seahawks vs. 49er’s football game. A fight broke out in the stands in section 130 and the victim officer was heard over police radio asking for a “fast back-up”. Responding officers located the victim officer and the suspect.
Once the suspect was placed in handcuffs responding officers turned their attention to the victim officer. He was unconscious and had obvious facial injuries. Seattle Fire Medics responded and treated the victim officer on scene. He was then transported to Harborview Medical Center where he was admitted.
According to witnesses and Century Link Staff, the suspect and a female were sitting in seats that did not belong to them. A staff member contacted the suspect and the suspect became belligerent and confrontational. The victim officer intervened and the suspect was also belligerent and confrontational with the officer. The Staff then advised the suspect that he was being ejected from the stadium. The officer then attempted to escort the suspect from the stadium when the suspect turned and struck the officer in the chest with a closed fist.
The officer and suspect got into a tussle at which point the suspect rammed the officer into a cement wall along the side of the tunnel. The officer struck his head and fell to the ground. The suspect then continued to strike the officer while the officer was down on the ground. Witnesses stated that the suspect struck the officer 3 times in the head. One witness said that the officer was knocked unconscious. Fans stepped in and restrained the suspect until responding officers arrived.
The suspect was arrested and booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Assault.