Seattle Police Force Investigation Team (FIT) detectives are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred tonight in the Licton Springs neighborhood.
Just after 5 p.m., North Precinct patrol officers stopped a motorist in the northbound lanes of Aurora Avenue N at N 96th Street. The suspect stopped his car, but then immediately got out and ran away. The three officers present during the traffic stop chased after him.
The suspect crossed the southbound lanes of Aurora in his attempt to flee, but the officers caught up to him just west of Aurora.
The suspect and the officers engaged in a physical struggle, and the suspect produced a handgun.
One officer drew his own handgun, and shot the suspect.
Officers provided first aid to the wounded suspect and called for Seattle Fire Department medics. SFD medics arrived and declared the suspect deceased at the scene. Detectives recovered the suspect’s handgun.
FIT and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) detectives responded to the scene to interview witnesses, and search for and collect forensic evidence.
The suspect’s car will be impounded and towed to the Seattle Police Processing Room. Detectives will search it once they have obtained a search warrant.
Per SPD policy, designed in collaboration with the Department of Justice, detectives were joined on scene with representatives from the Office of Police Accountability and the Office of the Inspector General. Also per SPD policy, the officer involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation.
This information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation proceeds.