Chief: Officer's killing appears to be random
SEATTLE -- Seattle Police Interim Chief John Diaz said Monday that the killing of a police officer on Saturday appears to be random.
Detectives believe the killer watched the traffic stop conducted by Officer Timothy Brenton and a student officer before pulling up alongside the patrol car and opening fire, Diaz said in a briefing to the Seattle City Council.
"This was a hit on law enforcement," Diaz said. "This was a hit on government. It could have been anybody."
Brenton, 39, was killed instantly. The officer he was training, 33-year-old Britt Sweeney, was grazed by several bullets and was able to return fire.
"She is lucky to be alive," Diaz said, "and we believe she may have hit the car."
Detectives have made no arrests and so far have not identified any suspects.
Police are looking for a car described as a light-colored sedan - possibly light blue or light silver - that drove away from the shooting scene, but no detailed description of the vehicle or suspected shooter was available.
In the briefing to the council, Diaz said investigators are looking at a huge amount of video gathered from the area.
"We pulled every in-car video camera from all the vehicles that worked in that area, going back several hours. We're also checking all the videos from all the businesses," and red light cameras, he said.
Brenton was a nine-year veteran of the department. He is survived by a wife, an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son.
Flags throughout the city are flying at half-staff in honor of Brenton, and Diaz said a memorial will likely be held late this week or early next week.
"We're looking for a large venue," he said.
Sweeney is recovering at home as she works with investigators.
Diaz said information is already coming in on the department's tip line (206-233-5000), and Clear Channel Communications has donated four billboards that will be used to recruit more tips.
"We're going to do everything in our power to find this person," he said. "Every local and state agency is helping."
In the Central District neighborhood where Brenton was killed, a memorial is growing near the scene at the intersection of 29th and Yesler.
People from the neighborhood, as well as law enforcement officers from around the region are stopping to leave flowers and cards.
Detectives believe the killer watched the traffic stop conducted by Officer Timothy Brenton and a student officer before pulling up alongside the patrol car and opening fire, Diaz said in a briefing to the Seattle City Council.
"This was a hit on law enforcement," Diaz said. "This was a hit on government. It could have been anybody."
Brenton, 39, was killed instantly. The officer he was training, 33-year-old Britt Sweeney, was grazed by several bullets and was able to return fire.
"She is lucky to be alive," Diaz said, "and we believe she may have hit the car."
Detectives have made no arrests and so far have not identified any suspects.
Police are looking for a car described as a light-colored sedan - possibly light blue or light silver - that drove away from the shooting scene, but no detailed description of the vehicle or suspected shooter was available.
In the briefing to the council, Diaz said investigators are looking at a huge amount of video gathered from the area.
"We pulled every in-car video camera from all the vehicles that worked in that area, going back several hours. We're also checking all the videos from all the businesses," and red light cameras, he said.
Brenton was a nine-year veteran of the department. He is survived by a wife, an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son.
Flags throughout the city are flying at half-staff in honor of Brenton, and Diaz said a memorial will likely be held late this week or early next week.
"We're looking for a large venue," he said.
Sweeney is recovering at home as she works with investigators.
Diaz said information is already coming in on the department's tip line (206-233-5000), and Clear Channel Communications has donated four billboards that will be used to recruit more tips.
"We're going to do everything in our power to find this person," he said. "Every local and state agency is helping."
In the Central District neighborhood where Brenton was killed, a memorial is growing near the scene at the intersection of 29th and Yesler.
People from the neighborhood, as well as law enforcement officers from around the region are stopping to leave flowers and cards.