Seattle police investigate officer-involved shooting in Belltown
Seattle police shoot at suspect in Belltown
A Seattle police officer shot at a suspect in the Belltown neighborhood Friday afternoon, the department said.
SEATTLE - Police are investigating a shooting involving an officer in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood.
(SDOT)
What they're saying:
According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), the incident happened at 3rd Avenue and Battery Street at around 12:20 p.m.
In a press conference, SPD Chief Shon Barnes said that two officers on the department's bike team were conducting active patrols in the Belltown neighborhood. During the patrol, officers observed a person selling narcotics on the street. Based on their observations, they developed probable cause to arrest him.
When officers approached, the man ran away toward 3rd Avenue. The pursuit continued along 3rd Avenue, and the suspect pointed a handgun at officers. The officers took cover and continued their pursuit.
The suspect then pointed his gun a second time, and one of the officers fired multiple shots.
The suspect dropped his weapon, surrendered to police and was taken into custody without further incident.
"We know that there are people carrying illegal weapons and we have a responsibility to encounter people when they’re doing wrong. And we want to make sure that they’re being held accountable," said Barnes.
According to Chief Barnes, no one was injured in the shooting.
"It’s a very dangerous day. I’m thankful that no one was hurt in this incident," said Barnes.
As standard protocol, the officer will be placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
At the time, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) issued an alert stating that both northbound and southbound lanes of 3rd Avenue between Cedar Street and Bell Street were blocked due to police activity.
Traffic officials urged the public to use alternate routes.
The Source: Information in this story comes from the Seattle Police Department and the Seattle Department of Transportation.
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