SPD Blotter » South Precinct

Suspect Monfort planned more Murder & Mayhem

SPD Media Relations — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:12:29 +0000

On November 6^th at approximately 2:36 p.m. Seattle Police Homicide detectives received a tip about a car matching the description of a possible suspect vehicle used in the slaying of Officer Tim Brenton. Detectives responded to an apartment complex parking lot in the 13700 block of 56^th Avenue South in Tukwila, located the possible suspect vehicle under a tarp and set up surveillance. While detectives were watching the vehicle, an adult male suspect emerged. Detectives attempted to contact the suspect at which point the suspect drew a handgun, pointed it at the detectives and pulled the trigger. The gun didn’t fire. The suspect took off running with the detectives in chase.

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.

SPD statement regarding Brenton murder investigation

Media Relations — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:14:22 +0000

On the afternoon of November 6^th , 2009, Seattle Police Homicide detectives received a tip about a Datsun 210 matching the description of a possible suspect vehicle used in the slaying of Officer Tim Brenton. Detectives responded to a parking lot in the 13700 block of 56^th Avenue South in Tukwila. While detectives were investigating the scene further an adult male suspect emerged and pointed a gun at them. 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.

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.

Murder suspect profile; vehicle of interest images

Media Relations — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:15:22 +0000

The below statment was read by Assistant Chief Jim Pugel at a Seattle Police Headquarters news briefing on November 5th, 2009 at 3 p.m.

“While I cannot discuss all of our current investigation details and methods, please know that we are working with local, state and federal agencies to process all of the forensic evidence. There is no technology or resource that is not or will not be fully exploited in order to identify the individual (or individuals) responsible for this crime. As we continue in our efforts, we are calling for the assistance of the public to help us identify this subject or this group. We believe this subject engaged in recognizable behaviors and activities prior to, during and after the commission of this crime. He likely possesses certain traits and characteristics that would be noted by those around him.

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.

Homicide in South Seattle, suspect in custody

Media Relations — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:03:25 +0000

On November 4, 2009, at approximately 11:22 am., officers were dispatched to the report of a dead body in a transient camp near the intersection of Airport Way, South Lucile Street, and Corson Avenue South. The responding officers located the victim covered by a blanket. The 46-year old male victim had obvious signs of death. Several transients were contacted in the area and reported that the suspect had assaulted the victim very recently. The 43-year old male suspect was located at a nearby transient camp and was taken into custody. He was transported to the Homicide office and interviewed. He was later booked into the King County Jail.

Officer Brenton’s biography

Media Relations — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:51:25 +0000

Timothy Quinn Brenton was born in Seattle on February 9, 1970. He spent his early childhood in Poulsbo and Woodinville, Washington. His mother fondly remembers Tim teaching himself to read at three years old from a subscription to National Geographic. He later lived in West Seattle, where he graduated from West Seattle High School in 1988. During his high school years Tim was the editor of the school paper and a member of the Seattle Police Explorers. After high school Tim enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in Wildflecken Germany and was a veteran of the first Gulf War. One of the highlights of his time in the military was being in Berlin the night the Berlin Wall came down.

After leaving the Army, Tim moved to Spokane where he attended Spokane Community College. While in Spokane, Tim met his future wife Lisa. After graduating Tim pursued his lifelong goal of a career in law enforcement. He began with the Hoquiam Police Department, then moved to the La Conner Police Department, where he served for three years. In 2000, Tim began his career with the Seattle Police Department, fulfilling his lifelong dream following in his father’s footsteps. Tim had a remarkable conviction for his job as a police officer and its invaluable purpose in society. Being a police officer was all he wanted, it was his calling, and he loved his job.

Tim and Lisa were married in December of 1997. Their daughter Kayleigh was born in 1998, then in 2001 they were blessed with the birth of their son, Quinn. He was so excited to have a family, taking his role as a father seriously.

Tim will be remembered for his quick wit and intelligence. He loved reading, and was a history buff. Whenever he had the chance, he enjoyed the outdoors. Camping, hiking, hunting and fishing were some of his favorite activities.

Flag raising ceremony at the Space Needle

SPD Media Relations — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:50:47 +0000

At 10:00 am this morning, Thursday, November 5th, 2009, the Seattle Police Honor Guard will raise a 20 X 30 foot (600 square feet) flag on top of the Space Needle to honor our fallen brother, Officer Timothy Brenton.

This flag will be flown on top of the Space Needle from 10:00 am today through Friday evening, and has been donated by the Space Needle Corporation. Eventually this flag will be given to the Brenton family.

The flag has a large Seattle Police Badge with a black band through the middle. To the right of the badge is the Seattle Police emblem. Centered under the badge and emblem is Officer Benton’s serial number #6699. The background is solid white.

Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the Space Needle Corporation for their generous contribution to commemorate and honor our fallen brother.

Map of Procession Route

Media Relations — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:07:53 +0000

A map of the procession route courtesy of SDOT.

Memorial Procession Map

Message to all Honor Guards

Media Relations — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:38:39 +0000

Honor Guards wishing to participate in Officer Brenton’s memorial are requested to be at Key Arena ready to practice at 8:00 am on Friday, November 6th. Parking has been reserved at the Seattle Center 1st Avenue North garage, located at 1st Avenue North and North Thomas Street. For information regarding hotel accomodations, please contact the Seattle Police Honor Guard Commander Sergeant Ty Elster or the Deputy Commander, Officer T.J. Havenar at tyler.elster@seattle.gov or tim.havenar@seattle.gov

Memorial Procession for Officer Brenton to be Held November 6

Media Relations — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:18:02 +0000

The following is the memorial procession for Officer Brenton’s memorial on Friday, November 6th. Motorists should expect significant traffic delays along the route.

A memorial procession along city streets for Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton will be held on Friday, November 6. Approximately 1,000 to 1,500 vehicles will depart at 9:00 a.m. from the University of Washington and will travel to a service for the slain officer at Key Arena.

During the procession, which is expected to last from 9:00 a.m. to noon, other traffic will not be allowed on the route and will not be allowed to cross it. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) advises travelers to expect severe congestion near its path, especially as mourners are also anticipated along its course.

The memorial procession will use the following route: begins at the University of Washington’s E-1 parking lot; south on Montlake Blvd NE to 24th Ave E; south on 24th to 23rd Ave E; south on 23rd to E Madison St; west on Madison to E Pine St; west on Pine to Broadway; north on Broadway to E Denny Way; west on Denny to 1st Ave N; north on 1st to Key Arena. Staging will begin in the E-1 parking lot (north of Husky Stadium on Montlake Blvd NE) beginning at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Parking will not be allowed along the route and temporary “No Parking” signs will be emplaced. Officers from the Seattle Police Department will manage all intersections for the procession. 1st

Avenue N (Denny to Mercer) and Mercer Street (1st to 5th avenues N) will be closed when the procession arrives at those locations. Roads around the Seattle Center will also be closed to traffic, to include parking, prior to the event.

The public memorial service at Key Arena will begin at 1:00 p.m., with doors opening at 11:00 a.m. No formal procession is planned after the ceremony. All questions concerning the procession route and traffic impacts should be directed to the Seattle Department of Transportation.

Bicycle vs pedestrian collision

SPD Media Relations — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:01:00 +0000

On 11/03/09, at approximately 4:45 p.m., a bicyclist was traveling N/B on Beacon Ave S. approaching S. College St. As the Bicyclist approached S. College St, a pedestrian going W/B across Beacon Ave S. stepped into the roadway.

The Bicyclist was unable to avoid the pedestrian and collided with him.

The pedestrian sustained a serious head injury and Seattle Fire Department Medic transported him to Harborview Medical Center(HMC).

During the investigation, HMC stated that the pedestrian’s medical condition improved to become non-life threatening.

An officer responded to the scene to screen the bicyclist for any signs of impairment due to drugs/alcohol. The officer determined that the bicyclist was not impaired.