His skills in weapons use and close quarter techniques suggest prior training.  He has likely practiced a great deal with weapons and those around him will note his abilities and interest in them.  These skills may have been developed through previous employment or hobbies.  In the days and weeks prior to the shooting, he may have increased his practice with weapons.

After the shooting, he may have disposed of, altered, hidden or repaired his vehicle in some form.  This vehicle may have been damaged in the firefight.  It is described as a 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210.  It is important that if anyone has recently sold a vehicle of this type or had one stolen that they call Seattle Police at 206 233-5000.

After the homicide, he may have displayed uncharacteristic behavior, such as being silent and quiet about the shooting when others would have expected him to be outspoken about it.  He may also display an uncharacteristic interest or even fascination in the news of the shooting.  Regardless, the stress of this homicide may cause him to behave differently from his norm.

On Halloween night, October 31st, he was notably absent for a period of time, in the hours before midnight.  If there are others who are a part of his life and aware of his routine, and this includes relatives, co-workers, friends or others, he will have had to provide a plausible explanation for this absence to them.

He likely has experienced a significant personal crisis in the recent past.  This event may have been the death of a loved one, loss of job or status, divorce, financial hardship, or other failure.  Whatever it is that is bothering him, he may often be outspoken about what he perceives to be a deeply personal grievance.  We’d like to know what this grievance is.  His grievance may relate to his employment or position in life.  We do believe that although he shot a police officer, he may in fact admire them and even act like them. 

He knows that there are very good officers, and Officer Tim Brenton was a very good officer who swore a solemn oath to protect our citizenry.  We’d like to know why this person chose the Seattle Police Department as the target of his grievance.

While it may appear we are focusing on a sole male offender, we have not ruled out the possibility of this crime being committed by a small group.  What I have been describing is the likely personality and behavior of the dominant individual behind this plan that has turned into a serious crime.  In fact, there may be others involved in the planning or actual attack who may not have expected this incident to have become the murder of a good and innocent police officer.  If there is such an individual he or she may be in fear for their own safety.  We are willing to listen and help, if such an individual wishes to contact us about the killer.

Clearly, we are also willing to listen to the offender to better understand his grievance.

We ask the public to carefully consider the information provided above and consider whether or not they may know this offender or have noted behaviors or activities suggestive of involvement in this incident.  Please contact the Police Department if you feel you may have information related to this crime, no matter how insignificant it may appear to you.  You may contact us by the following ways:  206-233-5000, anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 206-343-2020 or through a text message by texting TIP486 with a message, then sending that to 274637 (CRIMES). 

We also remind the public of the $105,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this investigation.”

Below are pictures of the 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210.  The color appears to be white or beige.  These images were captured by Seattle Police Department in-car cameras of officers responding to Officer Sweeney’s call for help.  The images were captured in the vicinity of the murder.  The image with the OCT 31 2009, 9:46:57 PM time stamp was taken from the in-car camera of Officer Brenton and Sweeney’s patrol car.  Detectives believe that the pictures are of the same vehicle of interest.

The vehicle of interest is on the left hand side of the frame.

The vehicle of interest in the left hand side of the frame.

The vehicle of interest is in the center of the frame, sideways facing left.

Memorial Procession Map

 A memorial procession along city streets for Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton will be held on Friday, November 6. Approximately 1,000 to 1,500 vehicles will depart at 9:00 a.m. from the University of Washington and will travel to a service for the slain officer at Key Arena.   

During the procession, which is expected to last from 9:00 a.m. to noon, other traffic will not be allowed on the route and will not be allowed to cross it. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) advises travelers to expect severe congestion near its path, especially as mourners are also anticipated along its course.

The memorial procession will use the following route:  begins at the University of Washington’s E-1 parking lot; south on Montlake Blvd NE to 24th Ave E; south on 24th to 23rd Ave E; south on 23rd to E Madison St; west on Madison to E Pine St; west on Pine to Broadway; north on Broadway to E Denny Way; west on Denny to 1st Ave N; north on 1st to Key Arena. Staging will begin in the E-1 parking lot (north of Husky Stadium on Montlake Blvd NE) beginning at approximately 8:00 a.m.  

Parking will not be allowed along the route and temporary “No Parking” signs will be emplaced. Officers from the Seattle Police Department will manage all intersections for the procession. 1st

Avenue N (Denny to Mercer) and Mercer Street (1st to 5th avenues N) will be closed when the procession arrives at those locations. Roads around the Seattle Center will also be closed to traffic, to include parking, prior to the event. 

The public memorial service at Key Arena will begin at 1:00 p.m., with doors opening at 11:00 a.m. No formal procession is planned after the ceremony. All questions concerning the procession route and traffic impacts should be directed to the Seattle Department of Transportation.

“The family of Officer Tim Brenton would like to thank the community for the tremendous outpouring of support.  Even with the tragic loss, Tim’s wife and children are finding solace in the support from the police community, their friends and family, and the community as a whole.  We know that Tim would be honored and humbled by the limitless support that has been provided at the difficult time.  We sincerely thank you for the generous emotional support, thoughts, and prayers.”

It is with profound sadness that we must inform you that a Seattle Police Officer was killed in the line of duty last night.  Officer Timothy Brenton,  a Field Training Officer assigned to Third Watch, East Precinct, was shot to death while he and Student Officer Britt Sweeney, were parked in their patrol car in the 100 Block of 29^th Avenue  last night shortly after 10:00 p.m.  The investigation thus far has shown that Officers Brenton and Sweeney had just completed a traffic stop and were discussing the stop as part of Officer Sweeney’s training.  Their patrol car was parked facing southbound in the 100 Block of 29^th Avenue on the west side of the street.   Officer Sweeney was in the driver’s seat; Officer Brenton was in the front passenger seat.  As they were discussing training, a vehicle, described as a light-colored small car, also travelling southbound, pulled up next to the patrol vehicle.  The suspect(s) opened fire upon the officers.  The bullets went by Officer Sweeney’s head, grazing her in the back of the neck and tearing her uniform shirt and vest.  Bullets struck Officer Brenton in the head, killing him.  The suspect vehicle then fled northbound on 29^th Avenue.  Officer Sweeney was able to exit the patrol car and return fire at the suspect vehicle.  The suspect vehicle may have been struck.  Officer Sweeney was able to get on the air and summon additional officers to the scene.  Officer Sweeney’s performance was exemplary under the most stressful and horrific call imaginable.

There was a massive response from all points of the city and beyond. Patrol, detectives, and the Hospital Response Team all responded and provided support for officers and the families.   Information is being developed as to possible suspect(s).  SPD Homicide detectives are responsible for this investigation.

There is no other way to describe what occurred last night to Officers Brenton and Sweeney other than this was a deliberate act of murder.   We have all the resources of the Department working on this investigation, and will not stop until we have those responsible answer for this heinous crime.  We owe it to Officers Brenton and Sweeney, their families, ourselves and the community.

Officer Brenton was 39 years old and a 9-year veteran of the Department at the time of his death.  He leaves behind a wife and two children.  Officer Sweeney is 33 years old and a recent graduate of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center.

Funeral arrangements are being planned and more information will be forthcoming.

This is a profound tragedy and shock to our senses.  We will take the time to grieve, reflect, and honor our fallen brother.  The Department’s Crisis Incident Stress Management Team will be available for all those who request it.

The Department has set up a tip line for the public to provide information that may assist the investigation.  That number is (206) 233-5000.

A bank account for Officer Timothy Brenton’s family is being set up at this time.  We will provide more information when the details become available.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call either 911 or the Seattle Police Homicide Unit at 206 684-5550, or the tipline at (206) 233-5000.  Those wishing to remain annonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a text to CRIMES (274637).  Your text message should include “TIP486″  to ensure proper routing.  If a tip leads to an arrest and the filing of charges, callers may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.  An additional $20,000 reward is being offered by the Seattle Police Officer’s Guild, for a total of $21,000.  Calls are taken 24 hours a day.