Holly MatkinSeattle, WA – The Seattle Police Department (SPD) has released bodycam footage that captured the moment when a narcotics investigation suspect pulled a gun and rammed a police vehicle during a traffic stop (video below).
The incident occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Jan. 22 as King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies and SPD officers were conducting a joint narcotics operation near Blanchard Street and Third Avenue, the SPD said in a press release.
During the course of their duties, an officer stopped a vehicle that was registered to an individual who was the subject of a felony warrant, bodycam footage showed.
Police determined that the 25-year-old unnamed driver was not the registered owner after they checked his license and verified his identity.
The driver said he had purchased the vehicle and that he was on his way to get the title transferred into his name.
“So, I stopped you for the car – these guys have another reason why they want to talk to you,” the officer said, stepping back while a KCSO deputy took over the stop.
As they were talking, the suspect suddenly stomped on the accelerator and crashed into the side of an SPD patrol vehicle, bodycam footage showed.
When the officers approached the vehicle to take the suspect into custody, they realized he had a gun, the SPD said.
Officers raced for cover as a volley of gunfire rang out, the video showed.
They repeatedly ordered the driver to show his hands as a group of officers carefully made their way up to the vehicle once again.
“Alright, he’s unconscious right now guys,” the lead officer said as he reholstered his weapon. “Let’s get him out.”
The wounded suspect was transported to Harborview Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries, the SPD said.
He was later booked into the King County Jail for unspecified charges, according to KIRO.
Four officers opened fire during the altercation, SPD Detective Patrick Michaud said during a press conference.
None of the officers were injured.
The South King County Valley Investigative Unit is conducting an independent investigation into the officers’ use of force, the SPD said.
Seattle police will handle the criminal investigation into the suspect.
You can watch bodycam footage of the officers’ encounter with the suspect in the video below: