SEATTLE — A Seattle police spokesman says a King County sheriff’s deputy fatally shot a man at a light rail station south of downtown Seattle after the man drew a handgun.
The man who was killed late Monday afternoon was not immediately identified. The Seattle Times reports that police Sgt. Sean Whitcomb says the man’s two companions were detained for questioning.
Police say three Sound Transit fare enforcement officers had contacted three male passengers to ensure they had paid their fares on a southbound train. One man couldn’t provide payment proof so all three were asked to leave the train at the SoDo station. The enforcement officers called for backup from a deputy. The transit agency contracts with the sheriff’s office for some security services.
Police say when the deputy contacted the trio, one man drew a gun.
Sheriff’s Sgt. DB Gates says the deputy has been with the sheriff’s office since 2002.
Two Seattle police officers on their way to the scene were hurt in a collision, as were two people in a second vehicle. The injuries are not life-threatening.
Light rail service in the area was disrupted for several hours.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.