SEATTLE - A veteran Seattle police officer was fatally shot Saturday night as he and a rookie officer sat in their patrol car in the Central District.
The officer who was killed was identified as Tim Brenton, 39, a nine-year veteran of the Seattle Police Dept.
"Our community is in shock at this brutal and senseless crime," Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels said at a news conference.
Nickels said this was the first intentional homicide of a Seattle police officer since 1994.
"The killing of someone who protects us, who protects our public safety, who protects our communities, is universally condemned, and our city is united in rejecting this violence and supporting the men and women in uniform," said Nickels. "Let me be clear. We will not rest until the assailant is brought to justice."
The shooting occurred shortly after 10 p.m. at 29th Avenue S. and E. Yesler Way.
Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel said the two officers were sitting in a patrol car parked at the intersection, discussing a routine traffic stop. The rookie officer, Britt Sweeney, 33, was sitting in the driver's seat; her trainer, Brenton, was in the passenger seat.
Pugel said a car pulled up alongside the patrol car and someone inside opened fire.
Sweeney ducked, and a bullet grazed her back. She called for help and returned fire, Pugel said.
Sweeney, who was grazed by a bullet, managed to return fire as the car backed away and fled the scene.
"From everything that we understand, the car literally pulled up alongside the parked patrol car and began shooting," said Pugel. "So it was without warning and it was a deliberate homicide."
Police say they do not have a good description of the suspect or the make of the car, other than to say it may be small, light-colored, possibly gray or silver.
Pugel said at the press conference that local state and federal agencies are working on the investigation.
"This is an assassination and every resource is being used to bring it to a conclusion," he said.
Officer Brenton was married with two children, a boy and a girl just 11 and 8 years old.
Anonymous tips can be called in to Seattle Police tipline 206-233-5000 or Crimestoppers 206-343-2020.
booboo said on November 1, 2009 at 1:46 AM
honestly you are so late posting this info. all other stations have been keeping us up to date. what is it? Danger Jim wasn't available? shots in northlake get breaking news for hours while a officer gives their life gets a cold shoulder from you
karlv said on November 1, 2009 at 4:21 AM
May the officer rest in peace and let God comfort his family, friends, and fellow officers. Also, pray for quick healing of the other officer. I hope they catch these lowlife cowards soon.
bigdaddyof4 said on November 1, 2009 at 4:55 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with both families. I am so sorry this city has become a haven for these scum cowards. I hope anyone who knows anything about who they are, will do the right thing and turn them in.
Anonymous said on November 1, 2009 at 6:45 AM
Wow, man.. SPD have been the coolest police my family & I have ever known. They've always treated this old longhaired freek with respect . Deepest sympathy for his family from mine. Godspeed to the investigators!
antisocialist said on November 1, 2009 at 6:55 AM
My heart goes out to this officer and his family. The brave men and women who serve to keep our city safe face this type of danger each day they go to work. My thoughts and prayers go out to this officers loved ones.
justcommenting said on November 1, 2009 at 6:58 AM
no big. their making more
ruba61 said on November 1, 2009 at 7:05 AM
FIND THIS GUY AND FORGET TRIAL!!!! HANG HIM!!!
justhonest said on November 1, 2009 at 7:41 AM
My prayers are with both families.
justhonest said on November 1, 2009 at 7:42 AM
Looks to me like the same person is making all the comments.
silverado said on November 1, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Obviously gang related. Probably an intiation shooting. The killer will find out who is real homies are when they catch him. They will all run and hide like the cowards they are. SPD will not rest until he is caught....life as you knew it is over
eddie94 said on November 1, 2009 at 9:03 AM
The lowlifes responsible for this better get the death penalty. NO plea bargins.
eddie94 said on November 1, 2009 at 9:07 AM
Why is everyone Anonymous?
Anonymous said on November 1, 2009 at 9:18 AM
line check
datruth said on November 1, 2009 at 9:20 AM
WOW, probably gang related, what a bunch of low lifes
uplink said on November 1, 2009 at 9:47 AM
The guys that did this best head for Mexico, they will be caught if they stay here. And I hope they are and resist arrest.
sureshott said on November 1, 2009 at 10:26 AM
This killer is who we need arrested, dead or alive! This is an attack on our community, not the victim officer. My prayers are with his family and all. If he will kill an officer, then rest assure he will kill anyone!
tsuruta said on November 1, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Deepest sympathy to SPD on what must be the hardest day. Never rest until this perp is caught. This officer's family has our prayers. This is what capital punishment is for, no waste of taxpayer dollars needed here. God's speed.
sureshott said on November 1, 2009 at 10:29 AM
I see all the comments about gangs... I have to ask, why do we allow gangs to exist? This has never made sense to me. Is it about time to allow the police to rid our communities of gangs, by using whatever force maybe necessary? I VOTE yes!
Anonymous said on November 1, 2009 at 11:12 AM
This didn't happen in Spokane so I'm not sure what all the references to SPD are for? Anyway no one knows for sure what happened, this could be a jeolous ex boyfriend or girlfriend trying to get revenge for God knows what.
coffee said on November 1, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Horrible! I hope they catch the person responsible! If someone is crazy enough to start shooting at cops, then we all are in trouble. My prayers go out to the family.
coffee said on November 1, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Prayers go out to the family.This makes me sick.I hope they catch the scumbag(s) responsible for this.If someone is crazy enough to shoot at cops then we all are in trouble.Really scary!
frred said on November 1, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Hi, I would like to remain anonymous with my comment. Time to drop the hammer on these punks. Terminate the gangs! Lowlife cowards every one of them. Trashy scum of the Earth needs to be rubbed out. Signed, anonymous.
badger1234 said on November 1, 2009 at 11:48 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with the familys and the the Seattle Police Department. All though tragic this needs to be a wake up call to the community. Crime is rising, and we need to do something. Get these guys and send them to their graves.
factoid said on November 1, 2009 at 11:54 AM
My family extends it's heartfelt condolences to the fallen officers family on this sad day.
rick121 said on November 1, 2009 at 11:57 AM
God bless those that put there lives on the line for us.
frred said on November 1, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Are the censorship nazis at work or does this new format really STINK that bad? Posts show up and dissappear left and right. Will I be anonymous again or will the real frred get the credit??? signed, Anonymous user.
blankingout said on November 1, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Sounds like these cops were looking out for our safety. This idiot out there needs to be caught! Why, god, do you have to test the community by letting a good guy die in a most horrible fashion?
frred said on November 1, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Today, I am changing my home page from King5 to some other station who is worthy. This new system STINKS. BAN ME K5--YOU SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
frred said on November 1, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Come on Reggans, lets blow this joint.
silverado said on November 1, 2009 at 12:23 PM
First to the brainic who refers to Spokane and the SPD. Do ya think SPD could stand for Seattle Police Depaartment...just a thought. And to King5...why is everyone annoymous. I am signed in and not trying to be annoymous...but I am.
frred said on November 1, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Bluumax, ya out there? Come on Bud, me and Reggans are outta here! Let's go exploring!
frred said on November 1, 2009 at 12:29 PM
testing 123 testing testing testic..........am I anonymous? Is this message a message or lost in the forest? If you type a message and K5 loses it before it goes to print, is it really a message or a lost sound in the forest?
Anonymous said on November 1, 2009 at 1:30 PM
If this is a person of color who did the shooting I bet we will hear how he was oppressed by the man and that is why he shot this innocent police officer. Hang 'em from the nearest tree!! My condolences to the officers family!
nunu19 said on November 1, 2009 at 2:02 PM
i am so sorry for his family. YO police officers need to find the guy who did this to him and hang him,kill him.....find him and kill him
anonymoususer said on November 1, 2009 at 3:22 PM
It's a full moon so the lunatics are out. Maybe that's what happened to the KING site and tt will go back to normal as soon as the lunatic affects wear off.
anonymoususer said on November 1, 2009 at 3:24 PM
the KING site sucks that bad - it is not your imagination.
Anonymous said on November 1, 2009 at 4:04 PM
This is so sad. To the person who said "big deal , they are making more" is sick beyond sick. Those officers risk their lives everyday for us and then we have to see something like this . This officer is a HERO and so is the trainie with him .
lovewashington said on November 1, 2009 at 4:08 PM
This is so sad. To the person who said "big deal , they are making more" is sick beyond sick. Those officers risk their lives everyday for us and then we have to see something like this . This officer is a HERO and so is the trainie with him .
Anonymous said on November 1, 2009 at 4:55 PM
SURESHOTT...BE SURE YOUR BRAIN IS CONECTED TO YOUR FINGERS EVERY TIME YOU WANT TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION... YOU ARE A RACIST... ARE YOU SAYING THAT A MEXICAN WAS THE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS? YOU ARE AN ANIMAL!....
Anonymous said on November 1, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Sad to say' but I'll bet this was a gang initiation. Another lost youth. a kid looking for somewhere to belong. Please Jesus,save our children!!!
bazwest said on November 1, 2009 at 5:30 PM
This is an evil act, perpetrated by a person who deserves no mercy from our great legal system. May god be with the family of this officer. May justice be served quickly in this case.
knowitall said on November 1, 2009 at 5:34 PM
test
browndog said on November 1, 2009 at 5:53 PM
if people do not like the site then go find a different one, till then nobody cares, write an e mail to king 5
Anonymous said on November 1, 2009 at 6:54 PM
First of all, what a terrible thing to happen to this officer and his family. The young training officer sounds like she'll be okay. Yet she must feel horrible. My prayers to all,,,,lets hope the guilty are soon caught.
Anonymous said on November 1, 2009 at 6:58 PM
Boy. Talk about "letting it all hang out",,,,,some of these comments are way over the top. We ARE talking about a life here,,,,,actually,,,,many lives.
nonewsisgoodnews said on November 1, 2009 at 7:05 PM
I'm sure this will turn out to be a gang initiation. You know what would be so great? If these underage gang members parents were all prosecuted for the actions of their children. Now that would be justice! I bet one of the punks will brag=arrest.
thecowboy said on November 1, 2009 at 7:24 PM
My prayers go out to the family and friends of the officer that was killed. From the reports I've read, the rookie officer returned fire. If she hit the car, it shouldn't be too hard to find a light color import with bullet holes in it. Keep your eye
da40971 said on November 1, 2009 at 7:33 PM
1. This is a horrible evil crime. Pray the ones responsible are found ASAP. 2. Stop speculating on the race, ethnicity, etc., of the killers. Helps no one. 3. Does King5.com have to insert a promo before this particular video? Very tacky, King5.
midnightralfer said on November 1, 2009 at 7:58 PM
SPD needs to find this scum ASAP and get the looser off the street. The guy is a coward!
littlegrooves said on November 1, 2009 at 8:53 PM
Nice new format, by the way King5... not really.
Anonymous said on November 1, 2009 at 10:03 PM
I bet Pugel did it so he can write another novel
Anonymous said on November 2, 2009 at 1:44 AM
Careful with the assumptions. Remember when folks thought muslims had brought down the fed building in Oklahoma. . . or the time when we thought the DC sniper was some crazy white boy! I hope that the killers are caught and punished. RIP Officer B.
Anonymous said on November 2, 2009 at 11:14 AM
This is unfortunate.
Anonymous said on November 2, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Oure heart felt sorrow goes out to his family and friends
tallt1924 said on November 2, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Man i hate to see this. My brother died in 1998 in the LINE OF DUTY. Doing what he loved. Being a cop. For some punk to do this to an officer with probaly no remorse. Is real sickening to me. To the family my families hearts are with you. REMEMBER.......IT IS NOT HOW HE DIED BUT HOW HE LIVED LIFE. Remember him as he lived. There will be JUSTICE AS ALL BAD GUYS LIE. SEATTLE POLICE WILL GET THEM............THEY CAN RUN BUT NOT HIDE.........Tim godspeed thanks for the service you did make a difference!!!!!!!!!!