SEATTLE - Flags in Seattle are flying at half-staff in honor of a Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton, who was shot to death Saturday night.
At a growing memorial at 29th Avenue and East Yesler Way, mourners are also shocked and anxious for an arrest.
"I wonder what the state of our country is when this continues to happen like this," says Rick Roney of Seattle. "I just don't understand. I just don't understand."
Roney and other onlookers watched as officers led Timothy Brenton's body from the Medical Examiner's office to the funeral home.
"It makes me feel sad, my heart goes out to his family," said Lauri Robinson.
Officers from jurisdictions across Western Washington come to the spot where Officer Brenton was killed, with flowers and tears for their fallen brother.
Their grief is palpable, and the community feels it too.
"Our children are roughly the age of his children and the thought that they had to be told their father was gone yesterday is just something that is -- we have a lump in our throats over," said Jeff Strain of Seattle.
For many people, profound sadness is prompting them to visit the growing memorial for Officer Brenton.
"I wanted to physically be present at this place and I wanted to extend my sympathy to the police officers who are here," said Mimi Krsak of Seattle.
Jane Mueller brings comfort to officers in the form of coffee and a smile. She says it's the least she can do for the people who work each day to protect all of us.
"At least keep the men and women who are here keeping guard warm," she said.
Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel says in the 26 years he's been in law enforcement, he's never dealt with something so tragic, random and lawless.
Pugel said on Saturday night the two officers were sitting in a patrol car parked at the intersection of 29th Avenue and East Yesler Way, discussing a routine traffic stop. A rookie officer, Britt Sweeney, 33, was sitting in the driver's seat; her trainer, Brenton, was in the passenger seat.
Police now believe the suspect or suspects were likely watching the traffic stop and waiting for that vehicle to pull away. Sweeney told them that's when a car pulled up, pinning her door closed, and opened fire.
Sweeney ducked, and a bullet grazed her back. She called for help and returned fire, Pugel said.
The car backed away and fled the scene.
"From everything that we understand, the car literally pulled up alongside the parked patrol car and began shooting," said Pugel. "So it was without warning and it was a deliberate homicide."
"Officer Sweeney not only called for help and called for backup for the fire department, but also got out and returned fire on the suspect," Pugel said during a news conference briefing.
Sources in the Seattle Police Department tell KING 5 they believe this crime might have been planned. The gunman approached the squad car from the rear and after opening fire, backed away so that they could not be caught on the dashboard camera.
"Through the years I've seen too many of our fellow officers buried, and it never gets any easier," said Interim Police Chief John Diaz.
Melanie Anderson and her son stopped at the memorial to pay their respects.
"I just think it's sad that someone would do something so heinous and to someone who is here to protect us, and I really hope they catch them," she said.
Officer Brenton was married with two children, a boy and a girl just 11 and 8 years old.
Sources also say detectives are now making contact with every vehicle recently stopped in the area by officers or those who came in contact with police. They're also looking for traffic or security video that may have captured the gunman's vehicle.
Anonymous tips can be called in to Seattle Police tipline 206-233-5000 or Crimestoppers 206-343-2020.
Cards to the family or Police Dept. and donations for the family may be sent to:
Family of Officer Timothy Brenton
C/O Seattle Police Department
1519 12th Ave
Seattle, WA 98122-3907
Anonymous said on November 2, 2009 at 8:13 AM
Tim Brenton and his brother Matt were officers here in La Conner early in their careers. They were good officers who always treated people with respect and were well-liked. My heart goes out to the family. This is an absolutely senseless tragedy!
truthdector said on November 2, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Could it be the new era of Obama Storm trooping street fighting radical ACORN Types....? Even with the age of Obama dawning, for too many black Americans life is still fraught with the same old “us against them” sort of thinking. Where once militant blacks paraded in pseudo military garb claiming the mantle of “black power” and patterning themselves as “panthers” thrusting an angry fist into the air, now they cling to the separatist ideals of militant Islam. Early last week in an FBI raid in Michigan Luqman Ameen Abdullah was killed in a gunfight with officials. This weekend local African American Muslims attended his funeral vowing to get “justice.
Anonymous said on November 2, 2009 at 11:38 AM
My heart goes out to all of Seattle. This is one of the most horrible things in the news lately. We are all in big trouble when this kind of crime is happening. I can't feel more sorrow for the family of this officer. May the good Lord bring them peace at this trying time. Hopefully the public will contribute all that is possible to catch this person who could do such a horrible thing. What is wrong with our humans?? RIP
silverado said on November 2, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Truth Dector....please base your assumptions with this violent murder on facts. You too are showing your racist colors.
truthdector said on November 2, 2009 at 1:21 PM
silverado tell that to the gang-bangers in your house.
robolab said on November 2, 2009 at 1:50 PM
This is just so sad. What has the world coming into? I hope they catch him. My prayers goes out to his family.
btvsrcks said on November 2, 2009 at 4:10 PM
What in the world does Obama have to do with militants? Lol! You hypocrites can't have it both ways. Either Obama is a muslim OR Obama has a racist christian preacher. You can't even keep your lies straight. How in the world are we supposed to believe you?
yogibear said on November 2, 2009 at 4:54 PM
This is so awful. I feel so bad for the family
dozer said on November 2, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Bad guys are just that.... Bad guys (and/or girls).... Pretty sure they're not politically motivated... I've yet to hear of somebody killing a cop based on who's the current president... White, black, red, purple or green... somebody killed one of our warriors who goes out every day and night to keep us safe.
kelloghill said on November 3, 2009 at 12:43 PM
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Brenton family / relatives and also to the close friends, police force and the neighbors who knew him. I'll surmise that the shooters were two 'so called guys'. To go and shoot at innocent targets? What is that? Where's the challenge? These two maroons whether gang related or not in my book I consider them as two girls. And if this was a gang/club initiative thing, they must represent a bunch of cowardly girl's, they are not of men! It's like being mad at someone and bashing their car up because you know that the car won't hit back vs facing the owner. What a couple of girls! When it gets to be uncovered as to who did the dirty deed and if they represent some club/gang--I hope my post will define them and their shoddy organization as the Girls who look like guys that can't do anything in an up front challenge-- What a bunch of frikkiin' Whoosies! We need to enforce the 'eye for an eye' on this one guys! the Prowler
dr_cooper said on November 3, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Like so many who call "Seattle" our home, I am shocked, saddened, and feel like I need and WANT to do something to help avenge this officer, while also helping to make our community safer. I think one way ALL of us can channel that "need to help" feeling, is to donate ANY amount, even one dollar, to the reward fund. WE can really make a difference here. Think about it. . .if each of us just sent in a dollar, well, you do the math. One thing I do know: For THAT much in reward money, someone IS going to talk. At the sametime, those giving can know that by helping even a little you are a part of making the circle whole. And we need that. What happened is NEW. SHOCKING, and we must do our part to make sure this NEVER happens again. Come on. Call the Seattle Police Officer's Guild. WE CAN CATCH THEM