Law and Justice
(2009-11-01)
SEATTLE, WA
(KPLU) -
Seattle Police are in an 'intense' search for suspects in the murder of a fellow officer Saturday night. The shooting in the city's Central District also wounded an officer in training. The officers were shot while sitting in their patrol car on 29th Avenue near Yesler. Shortly after 10 pm, a light-colored Toyota sedan pulled alongside the parked patrol car. SPD say they believe multiple shots were fired from some type of rifle, killing Officer Timothy Brenton, a nine year veteran, instantly. Officer Britt Sweeney, who was in the driver's seat, reportedly sensed danger, shouted a warning and ducked. She sustained a wound to the back. As the suspect vehicle backed up, Sweeney got out of the car and returned fire. According to the Seattle Times, SPD officials say they don't know if any of the shots fired by Sweeney hit the fleeing suspect's car. Sweeney was able to call for backup, which arrived shortly. Sweeney's wound was not life-threatening. She was released from Harborview after being treated for her injuries.
Brenton was a field-training officer, paired with Officer Sweeney Saturday night. He leaves a wife and two children at their home in Marysville.
Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel calls the shooting an "assassination." He says he was not aware of any threats against Officer Brenton. Interim Seattle Police Chief John Diaz says his department will use every resource available "to bring these people to justice."
On Sunday, a memorial of flowers continued to grow at the site of the shooting, in the 100 block of 29th Avenue, as people paid their respects to Officer Brenton. Plans for a memorial service are pending.
For further details:
The Seattle Times
Central District News
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