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Ongoing Investigation Into Excessive Force, Unprofessionalism

The Seattle Police Department is investigating a report of excessive force and unprofessionalism by a 19 year veteran officer. The incident occurred while South Precinct patrol officers were in the 3700 block of South Othello Street investigating a report of a drive by pellet gun shooting.

Officers present during the altercation promptly reported the actions of the involved officer to their supervisor who in turn immediately notified department command. An Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) complaint has been filed and the case is currently under investigation.

The involved officer was relieved of duty and sent home. He remains on paid administrative leave pending further investigation.

Our department is committed to the highest level of accountability. We do not tolerate excessive force and unprofessional behavior. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact OPA investigator Sergeant Yvonne Tovar directly at (206) 684-8792.

UPDATE 9/6/12: Investigators have learned that following the incident, the employee in question and another officer returned to the South Precinct where a supervisor inquired about the incident.  One officer directed the supervisor to talk to the employee in question, at which point the employee disclosed his own behavior. The department initiated an internal investigaton, and the employee in question is now on administrative reassignment.  The department’s investigation into the incident continues.