EDMONDS, Wash., September 11, 2023—An off-duty Seattle Police officer interrupted the theft of his personal vehicle today, September 11, at an apartment complex in the 9500 block of Edmonds Way. After being confronted, the suspect struck the off-duty officer with the stolen vehicle, knocking him to the ground. The off-duty officer discharged a handgun at the suspect(s) as they fled in the stolen vehicle.
The vehicle was later located in the Burien area. No arrests have been made. The off-duty SPD sustained minor injuries during the encounter and received treatment at a local hospital.
The incident unfolded just after 5:30 a.m. on Monday, September 11, when the victim, an off-duty Seattle Police officer, confronted the suspect(s) after hearing his personal vehicle start while he was getting ready for work. When he got outside, he found the suspects had broken a window and entered his Hyundai Santa Fe. A suspect drove at the off-duty Seattle Police officer, knocking him down, and the victim fired his weapon.
Initial reports were that a fired round struck a nearby fence. Investigators now know that is not the case and that a single round struck a door on the driver’s side of the off-duty Seattle Police officer’s personal vehicle. Whether the handgun was personally or department-owned is currently under investigation.
The stolen Hyundai Santa Fe was found in a Burien apartment complex by King County Sheriff’s Office deputies. The victim had placed an Apple Airtag in his vehicle, which assisted with its quick location and recovery. The car was brought back to Edmonds PD and searched under a search warrant. At the time of the theft and assault, the victim’s vehicle had department equipment secured inside. Those equipment items, including a department-issued handgun, radio, and ballistic vest, have not been recovered. Seattle Police are aware of this information.
Currently, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Edmonds PD detectives believe that at least two suspects are involved and will continue investigating this case as they lead the criminal investigation. They will work with the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office to determine potential charges related to this incident.
Seattle Police sent members of their command staff and a force investigation team to the scene as part of their standard protocol. For inquiries regarding their employee’s involvement in this incident, please contact the Seattle Police Department at spdnews@seattle.gov.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Edmonds Police Department at 425-771-0200 or policetips@edmondswa.gov. Further updates will be provided as the investigation allows.
SOURCE: Edmonds Police Department
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
