Published: Friday, November 6, 2009
Seattle police tie Datsun to killing
SEATTLE — Seattle police looking for the killer of officer Timothy Brenton said Thursday they’re looking for a white or beige Datsun 210 built between 1980 and 1983.
Brenton, 39, was fatally shot on Halloween night, and a rookie officer with him was wounded as they were parked reviewing a traffic stop.
Police said auto design experts tell them the old Datsun most resembles an enhanced video image of a vehicle captured on the dashboard camera of a patrol car that responded to the shooting.
They say the car on the video was in the area at the time of the attack and is similar to the car described by surviving officer Britt Sweeney. She returned fire, possibly hitting the car. Police said the shooter may have since gotten rid of the car.
A police profile of the shooter suggests a weapons-trained person who may have recently suffered a traumatic event, Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel said.
“He may have been outspoken about a deep grievance,” Pugel said, and he added, “We do believe that although he shot a police officer, he may in fact admire them and even act like them.”
Police have not ruled out the possibility the crime was committed by a small group but Pugel said he was describing the “likely personality and behavior of the dominant individual.”
The shooter may have increased his weapons practice in recent weeks, Pugel said.
In Saturday night’s attack, a car pulled up next to Brenton’s and Sweeney’s patrol car and someone inside fired a barrage of shots. After the shooting, the car backed up, turned around and sped off as Sweeney returned fire, police have said.
Pugel said the 33-year-old Sweeney, the primary witness, has asked to return to work soon and her request will be granted.
Brenton’s funeral is planned for 1 p.m. Friday at the KeyArena. More than 1,000 cars are expected to take part in a procession that leaves at 9 a.m. from the University of Washington on a route through the city.
A $105,000 reward is offered for information leading to an arrest.
On Thursday, a Seattle police honor guard raised a flag on the Space Needle to honor Brenton. It shows a police badge with a black band through the middle and Brenton’s badge number — 6699.
Brenton, 39, was fatally shot on Halloween night, and a rookie officer with him was wounded as they were parked reviewing a traffic stop.
Police said auto design experts tell them the old Datsun most resembles an enhanced video image of a vehicle captured on the dashboard camera of a patrol car that responded to the shooting.
They say the car on the video was in the area at the time of the attack and is similar to the car described by surviving officer Britt Sweeney. She returned fire, possibly hitting the car. Police said the shooter may have since gotten rid of the car.
A police profile of the shooter suggests a weapons-trained person who may have recently suffered a traumatic event, Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel said.
“He may have been outspoken about a deep grievance,” Pugel said, and he added, “We do believe that although he shot a police officer, he may in fact admire them and even act like them.”
Police have not ruled out the possibility the crime was committed by a small group but Pugel said he was describing the “likely personality and behavior of the dominant individual.”
The shooter may have increased his weapons practice in recent weeks, Pugel said.
In Saturday night’s attack, a car pulled up next to Brenton’s and Sweeney’s patrol car and someone inside fired a barrage of shots. After the shooting, the car backed up, turned around and sped off as Sweeney returned fire, police have said.
Pugel said the 33-year-old Sweeney, the primary witness, has asked to return to work soon and her request will be granted.
Brenton’s funeral is planned for 1 p.m. Friday at the KeyArena. More than 1,000 cars are expected to take part in a procession that leaves at 9 a.m. from the University of Washington on a route through the city.
A $105,000 reward is offered for information leading to an arrest.
On Thursday, a Seattle police honor guard raised a flag on the Space Needle to honor Brenton. It shows a police badge with a black band through the middle and Brenton’s badge number — 6699.
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