North Precinct Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) and SWAT officers used a variety of tactics, from de-escalation to deadly force, to corral and arrest a knife-wielding man in the University District late this afternoon.
Officers were called to the 5800 block of Roosevelt Way NE to a report of a man waving around two large fixed-blade knives. Officer scoured the area but couldn’t find him. Multiple 911 callers informed responding officers that the suspect had travelled due south on Roosevelt.
Seattle CIT and UWPD officers caught up with him in a courtyard in the 4200 block of Roosevelt Way NE. The suspect had dropped one of his knives but continued to brandish the other. Seattle CIT officers tried verbal de-escalation techniques but couldn’t convince the man to set down his weapon. A UWPD officer attempted to subdue the suspect with a taser, but this did not have the desired effect. Instead, the suspect threatened the officers with the knife. One of the Seattle CIT officers fired once at him. The bullet missed, causing property damage to a nearby building, but no injuries.
Instead of surrendering, the suspect took off running down a nearby alley. The suspect was hiding behind a dumpster when SWAT officers caught up to him.
Realizing that the suspect was effectively corralled, SWAT officers ordered the man to surrender. When he refused, they fired rubber bullets at him. This tactic achieved its purpose and the suspect gave up.
Seattle Fire medics evaluated and treated the suspect for minor injuries. Officers then transported him to the North Precinct for questioning.
Force Investigations Team detectives as well as Crime Scene Investigators are processing the scene, collecting evidence and statements. Per policy, members of the Office of Professional Accountability were on hand to observe the investigation.
Homicide detectives will take the lead in this criminal investigation into the knife wielding suspect.
The CIT officer involved in the shooting will be on paid administrative leave, in accordance with department procedure.
This investigation is ongoing. Information posted here is subject to change as the investigation proceeds.
We’ll provide an update as more information becomes available.