Flags flew at half-mast at government buildings in Seattle as the mayor vowed to get those involved in the cold-blooded shooting of officer Timothy Brenton. A reward leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects was upped to $40,000.
SEATTLE - Flags flew at half mast across Seattle and a reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the cold-blooded killers of officer Timothy Brenton was increased to $40,000.
Brenton, a training officer, was shot dead and a bullet grazed student officer Britt Sweeny, after the pair made a traffic stop in the 100-block of 29th Street in Seattle at 10 p.m. on Oct. 31.
Brenton, 39, was still in the driver's seat when a car pulled up alongside and fired several shots. Sweeny got out of the police car and fired several rounds at the fleeing vehicle but it is not clear if she hit the vehicle, police said.
Police said it appears the assailants were targeting police and that it is more than likely that Brenton was a random target.
"The men and women of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, along with contributions from concerned citizens and Crime Stoppers, are now offering a reward of up to $40,000.00 for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the murder of Officer Timothy Brenton and the attempted murder of Student Officer Britt Sweeney," police said in a
statement.
Mayor Greg Nickels
vowed to bring to justice those responsible for killing Brenton, who became the first Seattle officer intentionally murdered since 1994.
"Our community is in shock at this brutal and senseless crime. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Officer Brenton and we will support them in the difficult days ahead," said the outraged mayor.
"I spoke with Officer Sweeney last night at Harborview Medical Center and offered my thanks for doing a tough job. She faced an officer’s worst nightmare just weeks into her police career," he said.
"This was the first intentional homicide of a Seattle police officer since 1994. The killing of someone who protects our public safety is universally condemned, and our city is united in rejecting this violence and supporting the men and women in uniform," he added.
"Let us be clear: we will not rest until the assailant is brought to justice. I’ve directed that city flags be lowered until after the funeral and ask that we keep all our officers and public servants in our prayers."
The memorial service for Brenton is scheduled for Friday, November 6th at 1:00 p.m. at the Key Arena.
The Seattle Police Department is in the process of establishing a bank account for Brenton’s family.
