Update December 5, 1:33 PM
Under state law (RCW 10.114.011 and WAC 139-12), the release of information relating to the December 2 officer-involved shooting investigation is being managed by the King County Sheriff’s Office, which is serving as an Independent Investigative Team (IIT) for SPD.
The King County Sheriff’s Office Independent Investigations Team has authorized the Seattle Police Department to release the following video that provides a brief overview of what occurred.
SPD continues to collaborate with KCSO to obtain approval to release information that will not compromise their independent criminal investigation. SPD will release additional details as soon as possible, consistent with the department’s commitment to transparency and legitimacy, as allowed under state law.
Update December 4, 3:10 PM
Seattle Police Department Policy 1.115 – Media Release Officer-Involved Shooting is “intended to balance the integrity and credibility of an investigation with public transparency,” and requires SPD to take the following actions within 72 hours of an officer-involved shooting:
- Release the names of any officers who discharged a firearm, absent exigent circumstances.
- Release video that provides a general overview of what occurred and photos of relevant evidence unless that release may compromise an investigation.
Under state law (RCW 10.114.011 and WAC 139-12), the release of information relating to the December 2 officer-involved shooting investigation is being managed by the King County Sheriff’s Office, which is serving as an Independent Investigative Team (IIT) for SPD.
SPD continues to collaborate with KCSO to obtain approval to release information that will not compromise their independent criminal investigation. SPD will release additional information as soon as possible, consistent with the department’s commitment to transparency and legitimacy, as allowed under state law.
For additional information, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office PIO Media Phone 206-263-2560 or the PIO Media Email: kcsomro@kingcounty.gov
Original Post December 4, 9:00 AM
Based on the Seattle Police Department’s exit from the Federal Consent Decree in September 2025, the Seattle Police Department must now adhere to Washington State law for any use of deadly force by an officer. In these situations, the department is subject to an independent investigation led by the King County Sheriff’s Office. All information related to these investigations will come from that office. For an incident that occurred on December 2nd, here is the first statement they published on December 3rd. For additional information, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office PIO Media Phone 206-263-2560 or the PIO Media Email: kcsomro@kingcounty.gov
Date: December 3, 2025
KING COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ACTING AS INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIVE TEAM IN SEATTLE POLICE OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
In accordance with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 10.114.001, the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) will act as the Independent Investigative Team (IIT) into the Seattle Police Department (SPD) officer-involved shooting from Dec. 2, 2025. KCSO shall conduct an independent criminal investigation of whether the use of deadly force met the good faith standard established in RCW 9A.16.040. KCSO will forward the findings of the investigation to the King County Prosecuting Attorney for review.
On Dec. 2, 2025, at about 1:30 p.m., the Seattle Police Department (SPD) received multiple 911 calls about a man waving a gun near 42nd Ave. S. and S. Othello St. Responding officers found a man with a gun and attempted de-escalation tactics including commands to drop his weapon.
The man did not comply, pointing a gun at the officers who then responded with lethal force. SPD rendered medical aid , but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Public notifications will be released weekly until the conclusion of the investigation. Media inquiries regarding the Independent Investigation should be directed to kcsomro@kingcounty.gov.
Per Chapter 139-12 WAC, please note that information regarding any officer-involved shooting cannot be released by an independent investigation team without first notifying the non-law enforcement community representative assigned to the investigation and the family liaison of the involved subject. KCSO will endeavor to incorporate questions received from the media into subsequent press releases.