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Officer Involved Shooting on Seattle Waterfront

Seattle police shot and killed a man armed with a knife on the Waterfront late Tuesday.

Around 9:20 p.m., Port of Seattle Police contacted Seattle Police about a man in crisis, armed with a knife, at Alaskan Way and Seneca Street.

When officers arrived, the man, who had reportedly cut himself, fled down Alaskan Way.

Port of Seattle Police Police approached the man and attempted to use a less-lethal tool, but the device was ineffective. The man moved toward officers, and two Seattle Police officers fired, fatally striking the man.

Representatives of the Office of Police Accountability, the Office of Inspector General and the SPD Force Investigation Team responded to the scene.

The officers will be placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with SPD policy while the investigation is ongoing.

Per policy, the department will release video of the incident within 72 hours.


UPDATE: 2/17/21

The Seattle Police Department is releasing body-worn video and the audio of a 911 call associated with Tuesday’s officer-involved shooting. SPD responded to a call from the Port of Seattle Police Department about a subject in crisis. Port of Seattle officers described the subject as a white male wearing a black coat and black pants, holding a knife to his throat. SPD officers arrived in the area and quickly located a man matching the description. Port of Seattle Police approached the man and attempted to use a less-lethal tool, but the device was ineffective. The man moved toward officers, and two Seattle Police officers fired, fatally striking the man.

This matter remains an active and ongoing investigation by the Force Investigation Team and the Office of Police Accountability. New and updated information will continue to be added to this post as it becomes available. 


UPDATE: 2/18/21

The Seattle Police Department is releasing the names of the two officers involved in this shooting: Officer Cassidy Butler was hired in 2018. Officer Willard Jared was hired in 2014.