The 20-year-old driver saw the group of pedestrians run across the street as the traffic signal changed to green for eastbound traffic on NE 50^th St.  The 20-year-old driver continued through the intersection, when suddenly a 22-year-old female running in the same crosswalk ran into the path of his car. 

The Honda struck the 22-year-old pedestrian.  The Seattle Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the 22-year-old female pedestrian to Harborview Medical Center with serious head injuries and possible other injuries.  

A Drug recognition expert /DUI officer responded to the scene and completed an evaluation of the 20-year-old driver of the Honda, for signs of impairment and/or intoxication.  There were no signs of impairment or intoxication found.  The driver was Investigated & Released at the scene.  

Traffic Collsion Investigators responded to investigate the collision and processed the scene.  

The victim’s condition is unknown at this time.

Call 911  

• When you have a police, fire or medical emergency.
• To report an in-progress crime.
• When there is a situation that poses an actual potential danger to life or property.
• When there is suspicious activity.

For non-emergencies 

• The Seattle Police Department non-emergency number is (206) 625-5011.   If in doubt, call 911.
• Those wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800 222-TIPS (8477) or send a text to CRIMES (274637).  Your text message should include TIP486 to ensure proper routing.

Personal Safety and Crime Prevention information

• Knowledge is Power — Learning simple crime prevention techniques and employing them can dramatically decrease your chances of crime happening to you.
• Follow Your Intuition — If you feel that a situation is not right, move out of the situation. Be aware of your surroundings. Walk confidently and alertly.
• Zero Tolerance — Active communities are the best partners the police have when it comes to fighting crime. Showing that small crimes and nuisance activities will not be tolerated in your neighborhood sends clear signals to criminals to stay away. That means painting over graffiti, posting block watch signs and reporting suspicious activity. 
• Learn More —  For additional information regarding crime prevention and or to learn about the Seattle Police Block Watch program,  please visit our website at www.seattle.gov/police/prevention

The suspect stopped in a stairwell near his apartment and was manipulating the gun in an apparent attempt to clear a malfunction. The suspect once again pointed the gun at detectives and the detectives fired on the suspect in self defense, striking him at least once.  The suspect was taken into custody and transported to Harborview Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.  No detectives were injured. 

The Tukwila Police Department is handling the crime scene investigation and the King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is conducting the officer-involved shooting investigation. 

The Seattle Police Department continues its active and vigorous investigation of this case.  Detectives have determined several important facts at this point in the investigation:

Detectives have recovered DNA evidence from both the October 22^nd arson scene at the city maintenance facility and the scene of Officer Brenton’s murder on October 31^st.  The DNA evidence matches that of Monfort. 

Detectives recovered a .223 caliber rifle from Monfort’s apartment in Tukwila.  A ballistics test of that weapon identifies it as the firearm used in Officer Brenton’s murder and Officer Sweeney’s attempted murder. 

Also recovered from Monfort’s apartment was a considerable amount of bomb-making material and evidence that indicates that the type of explosive devices Monfort was in the process of making or had made were even more lethal than the ones used in the October 22^nd arson.  He clearly was intending to inflict even more destruction in his next criminal attack.  

Further examination of the explosive devices used in the October 22^nd arson and of the devices found in his apartment indicate that Monfort was intending to harm first responders to the scene, i.e. police and fire department personnel.    

Evidence recovered from Monfort’s Datsun 210 reveal that the car was struck by at least one of Officer Sweeney’s bullets fired from her service weapon during the October 31^st incident.   

Monfort remains under treatment at Harborview Medical Center.  For any inquiries regarding criminal charges, please call the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  

The Seattle Police Department would like to sincerely thank the community and all the law enforcement agencies that showed their support for us during this difficult time. We would also like to thank the media for assisting us in disseminating information to the public regarding these incidents, Officer Brenton’s memorial service, and the on-going investigation.

Seattle Fire Department (SFD) was on scene.  It appeared the suspect tried to push some of the combustibles under the door. The business was unoccupied however the back door was adjacent to an apartment building. Seattle Fire Department extinguished the fire without substantial damage and no injuries.

Fire Marshall 5 responded as well as Seattle Police Arson Bomb Unit.  SFD also had Arson patrols in the area.

The Tukwila Police Department is handling the crime scene investigation and the King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is conducting the officer-involved shooting investigation.

SPD detectives obtained search warrants to further examine the crime scene. Evidence located inside the suspect’s apartment included improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a rifle, and various other items of evidence.  Detectives now believe that this individual is responsible for both the murder of Officer Brenton,  the attempted murder of Officer Sweeney, and the arson attack on October 22^nd at the Charles Street facility. Detectives are asking the Prosecutor’s Office for formal charges. The Datsun that detectives were looking for is registered to the suspect.  Our investigation into the murder of Officer Tim Brenton and attempted murder of Officer Britt Sweeney continues and we are still receiving and following up on tips.  We have received numerous tips from the public and we encourage everyone to continue to call us with any information they may have regarding this investigation. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call either 911 , or the tipline at (206) 233-5000.  Those wishing to remain annonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a text to CRIMES (274637).  Your text message should include “TIP486″  to ensure proper routing.  Calls are taken 24 hours a day.

His skills in weapons use and close quarter techniques suggest prior training.  He has likely practiced a great deal with weapons and those around him will note his abilities and interest in them.  These skills may have been developed through previous employment or hobbies.  In the days and weeks prior to the shooting, he may have increased his practice with weapons.

After the shooting, he may have disposed of, altered, hidden or repaired his vehicle in some form.  This vehicle may have been damaged in the firefight.  It is described as a 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210.  It is important that if anyone has recently sold a vehicle of this type or had one stolen that they call Seattle Police at 206 233-5000.

After the homicide, he may have displayed uncharacteristic behavior, such as being silent and quiet about the shooting when others would have expected him to be outspoken about it.  He may also display an uncharacteristic interest or even fascination in the news of the shooting.  Regardless, the stress of this homicide may cause him to behave differently from his norm.

On Halloween night, October 31st, he was notably absent for a period of time, in the hours before midnight.  If there are others who are a part of his life and aware of his routine, and this includes relatives, co-workers, friends or others, he will have had to provide a plausible explanation for this absence to them.

He likely has experienced a significant personal crisis in the recent past.  This event may have been the death of a loved one, loss of job or status, divorce, financial hardship, or other failure.  Whatever it is that is bothering him, he may often be outspoken about what he perceives to be a deeply personal grievance.  We’d like to know what this grievance is.  His grievance may relate to his employment or position in life.  We do believe that although he shot a police officer, he may in fact admire them and even act like them. 

He knows that there are very good officers, and Officer Tim Brenton was a very good officer who swore a solemn oath to protect our citizenry.  We’d like to know why this person chose the Seattle Police Department as the target of his grievance.

While it may appear we are focusing on a sole male offender, we have not ruled out the possibility of this crime being committed by a small group.  What I have been describing is the likely personality and behavior of the dominant individual behind this plan that has turned into a serious crime.  In fact, there may be others involved in the planning or actual attack who may not have expected this incident to have become the murder of a good and innocent police officer.  If there is such an individual he or she may be in fear for their own safety.  We are willing to listen and help, if such an individual wishes to contact us about the killer.

Clearly, we are also willing to listen to the offender to better understand his grievance.

We ask the public to carefully consider the information provided above and consider whether or not they may know this offender or have noted behaviors or activities suggestive of involvement in this incident.  Please contact the Police Department if you feel you may have information related to this crime, no matter how insignificant it may appear to you.  You may contact us by the following ways:  206-233-5000, anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 206-343-2020 or through a text message by texting TIP486 with a message, then sending that to 274637 (CRIMES). 

We also remind the public of the $105,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this investigation.”

Below are pictures of the 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210.  The color appears to be white or beige.  These images were captured by Seattle Police Department in-car cameras of officers responding to Officer Sweeney’s call for help.  The images were captured in the vicinity of the murder.  The image with the OCT 31 2009, 9:46:57 PM time stamp was taken from the in-car camera of Officer Brenton and Sweeney’s patrol car.  Detectives believe that the pictures are of the same vehicle of interest.

The vehicle of interest is on the left hand side of the frame.

The vehicle of interest in the left hand side of the frame.

The vehicle of interest is in the center of the frame, sideways facing left.

Memorial Procession Map