The Force Investigation Team is examining evidence after multiple officers shot a man when he reportedly rammed his car into the Federal building and fired a rifle downtown.
People began calling 911 around 8:10 PM to report the sounds of gunshots near the intersection of 1st Avenue and Yesler Street as well as the 100 block of Marion Street.
Responding officers found the suspect in the 100 block of Marion Street where he had crashed his vehicle into the Federal building. Officers attempted to contact the man who was reportedly still armed, and for reasons that remain under investigation, opened fire striking the suspect.
Seattle Police Officers and Seattle Fire Department Medics attempted medical aid but the suspect died at the scene.
The Force Investigation Team will investigate the officer-involved shooting. Representatives of the Office of Police Accountability and the Office of Inspector General responded to the scene.
Per policy, the department will release video of the incident within 72 hours.
Update 3/8/22 1:00 PM
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 a witness about a man actively firing shots outside of a building Downtown. SPD officers arrived to find security guards already contacting the suspect. As officers began giving the man orders, he picked up his rifle and charged at officers.
Five officers shot at the suspect who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Force Investigation Team continues to investigate and will release additional details as they become available.
The five involved officers are: Zachary Backman, hired in 2018. Elijah Banks, hired in 2019. Stephen Englund, hired in 2019. Danielle Fine, hired in 2010. Nicholas Soldati, hired in 2018.