SEATTLE -- Western Washington investigators spent Thursday questioning a man in connection to a Seattle police officer's murder. Officer Timothy Brenton died on Halloween when he was shot in the head while sitting in his patrol car.
Authorities say the suspect was arrested Wednesday night at the Ballard Lock and Keel Bar. Witnesses tell police a Hispanic male walked into the bar telling patrons that he was going to jail for a long time because of what happened to the Seattle officer on Halloween. Right now, there is a $105,000 reward offered for information about Brenton's death.
According to a former co-worker, Timothy Brenton spent time living in the Spokane area. 15 years ago, Brenton was working as a van driver at a local Spokane hotel dreaming of the day he would get the chance to become a police officer.
Kim Scharff worked with Brenton for a number of years back in the 1990's. She describes him as extremely kind and hard working. Brenton worked at two local hotels, including the Comfort Inn on North Division. He worked while also participating in the Army Reserves to pay for school. Brenton went to Spokane Fall Community College where he was studying to fulfill his life long goal.
"He wanted to carry on the family tradition. I know his dad was, but his brother was also an officer," said Scharff. "He loved to help people. He was the first person to help anyone."
And he helped Scharff in a big way by driving her to the hospital when she unexpectedly went into labor while at work. She says as difficult as the news was, she is grateful to know he never gave up his dream of becoming a police officer.
