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The Seattle Police Force Investigation Team (FIT) continues to investigate the New Year's Eve officer-involved shooting that occurred in the Licton Springs neighborhood.
In the interest of transparency, and in adherence to SPD policy, the department is releasing dashcam and bodyworn video of this incident.
The following video shows the suspect running from his car during a traffic stop, as well as a physical struggle with officers just a short distance away. Officers stopped the suspect because the car he was driving had a Department of Licensing flag indicating the registered owner had a suspended license. Officers also observed the suspect make an improper lane change. The below video includes dashcam of the suspect running from his car, and five separate body cam angles of the foot pursuit, the physical struggle with the suspect, and the officer-involved shooting. The video concludes with some footage slowed down and the suspect's gun highlighted by a red circle.
FIT detectives requested an ATF trace of the suspect's handgun. A Washington Crime Information Center (WACIC) check revealed the suspect possessed a stolen handgun, originally taken during a 2016 car prowl in Renton. FIT detectives released the following photos of the handgun and fully-loaded magazine.
The suspect was carrying $1,160 in cash and a vial containing 263 pills with the code for oxycodone stamped on them at the time of his death. The pills tested positive for fentanyl and acetaminophen.
The suspect's car remains in the Seattle Police Processing Room. Detectives will search it pending a search warrant.
FIT detectives interviewed and released the adult female passenger who was in the suspect's car at the time of the traffic stop.
FIT detectives have also interviewed the six officers present during this incident. Per SPD policy, the officer-involved in the shooting is on paid administrative leave. The involved officer was hired by SPD in September of 2015.
Detectives are asking anyone else who has information about the case to call them at (206) 684-9292.
This remains an active and ongoing FIT investigation and will proceed according to policies and procedures established by the Department of Justice and the Seattle Police Monitoring Team.
This information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation proceeds.