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Sheriff’s Office Asks SPD to Investigate Deputy’s SODO Shooting

The King County Sheriff’s Office has asked Seattle police to investigate after a Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot a man at a SODO transit hub Monday afternoon.

Just before 4:15 PM Monday, three Fare Enforcement Officers contacted three male passengers to ensure they had paid fares on a southbound Light Rail train at Stadium Station.

One of the men could not provide proof of payment for his fare and all three were asked to exit the train at the SODO light rail station near 4th Avenue S. and S. Lander.

Fare Enforcement Officers requested assistance from a King County Sheriff’s Deputy—KCSO provides contract security on buses, light rail lines and other transit in the Seattle Metro area—who arrived and contacted the three men.

One of the three men drew a handgun, and the deputy opened fire, wounding the armed suspect.

Other deputies quickly arrived and attempted to provide medical treatment to the wounded man, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by Seattle Fire officials.

Following the incident, the KCSO asked SPD to lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

SPD Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Investigators are now processing the scene and interviewing witnesses, including the armed man’s two companions. Police anticipate SODO station will reopen within the next several hours.

The shooting incident drew a large response from law enforcement in the Seattle area and, just before 4:30 PM, two SPD patrol officers and two other motorists sustained non-life-threatening injuries near 12th Ave and E. Spruce Street after the officers collided with several vehicles while responding to the shooting.

SPD Traffic Collision detectives are investigating the crash.