The Southwest Seattle Police Precinct was the scene of a shooting on Wednesday afternoon after a man approached officers with a knife. Desecalation was attempted to no effect and he died after being shot.
No explanation was offered as to why this car was taped off following the incident.
Photo by Patrick Robinson
Seattle police detectives in the Force Investigation Team are investigating after an SPD officer shot a person outside of the Southwest Precinct building this afternoon.
On March 19, at 12:18 p.m., patrol officers at the precinct responded to a male in the gated police parking lot armed with a knife. Police attempted de-escalation, including the use of a less-lethal device. It was a 40 mm "sponge round" according to Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes.
Those efforts were unsuccessful. Ultimately, an SPD officer discharged his department handgun, striking the man. Police provided medical aid immediately.
The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) arrived on-scene and continued medical treatment. SFD pronounced the male deceased at the scene. Force Investigation Team will investigate the use of force.
Representatives from the Office of Police Accountability and Office of Inspector General responded to the scene. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation.
Per policy, the department will release video of the incident within 72 hours. Incident Number: 2025-73847
