Questions abound in Poulsbo officer involved shooting
POULSBO, Wash. -- Mystery and heartbreak surround a Wednesday evening shooting that left one man dead and nearly decimated a police force.
Poulsbo police responded to a call of shots fired at a Les Schwab dealership in the 400 block of NW Edvard St. at around 6 p.m.
Officers arrived on scene to find 24-year-old Joe Henninger.
Henniger, who lived just a half-block away, was armed with a handgun. Detectives won't describe what happened next, but a deadly encounter unfolded in the parking lot and Henninger was shot to death by police.
"I'm sorry about the man that passed away, I really am, because we don't have any idea what was going on in his heart of mind," said Lynda Geisel, who lives nearby.
Relatives described Henninger as gentle and loving and say he was looking forward to having children with his wife, Sarah.
The three Poulsbo police officers who were involved in the shooting are now on paid administrative leave while the case is investigated.
In a larger city, losing three officers would be an inconvenience, but in Poulsbo it nearly cripples the police department.
"Having three officers on administrative leave in this situation has taken essentially one whole shift and put them out of commission," said Poulsbo Deputy Police Chief Wendy Davis.
Now residents are worried that the short staffing could put the public at risk in an emergency.
"We need them there when we call 911," said resident Michelle Handy. "It's for a reason. We want them there immediately."
Davis said officers from other agencies will pick up some of the 911 calls.
"We're also fortunate to have several auxiliary officers that have stepped up," she said. "They'll come out and assist. volunteers are stepping forward to help us as well."
Poulsbo police responded to a call of shots fired at a Les Schwab dealership in the 400 block of NW Edvard St. at around 6 p.m.
Officers arrived on scene to find 24-year-old Joe Henninger.
Henniger, who lived just a half-block away, was armed with a handgun. Detectives won't describe what happened next, but a deadly encounter unfolded in the parking lot and Henninger was shot to death by police.
"I'm sorry about the man that passed away, I really am, because we don't have any idea what was going on in his heart of mind," said Lynda Geisel, who lives nearby.
Relatives described Henninger as gentle and loving and say he was looking forward to having children with his wife, Sarah.
The three Poulsbo police officers who were involved in the shooting are now on paid administrative leave while the case is investigated.
In a larger city, losing three officers would be an inconvenience, but in Poulsbo it nearly cripples the police department.
"Having three officers on administrative leave in this situation has taken essentially one whole shift and put them out of commission," said Poulsbo Deputy Police Chief Wendy Davis.
Now residents are worried that the short staffing could put the public at risk in an emergency.
"We need them there when we call 911," said resident Michelle Handy. "It's for a reason. We want them there immediately."
Davis said officers from other agencies will pick up some of the 911 calls.
"We're also fortunate to have several auxiliary officers that have stepped up," she said. "They'll come out and assist. volunteers are stepping forward to help us as well."
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