On August 30th at approximately 4:15 p.m. a West Precinct officer was patrolling in the area of Boren Ave and Howell St. when he came across an adult male who was walking westbound on Howell Street from Boren Ave in the crosswalk.
Watch the full press conference
The male subject crossed in front of the officer’s patrol car and the officer noted that the man had a knife with the blade open/out and that the man was manipulating the knife in his right hand and carrying a piece of wood in his left hand. The officer thought that this was unusual and potentially dangerous behavior.
The officer stopped his patrol car and made contact with the man. The officer instructed the man three times to put the knife down. When the man refused to comply the officer fired several shots, fatally striking the man.
Seattle Fire Department medics were called to the scene but were unable to revive the suspect.
Homicide and CSI detectives responded to process the crime scene and interview witnessess in what remains an active and on-going investigation. The King County Medical Examiner responded to take custody of the deceased.
A Firearms Review Board will be convened at a future date to determine whether the shooting was within Department policy.
Anyone who may have witnessed or who has information about this incident is encouraged to call the Seattle Police Homicide Unit tip line at (206) 233-5000. Tips can be left anonymously.
Suspect’s knife pictured below.
