A man was shot and killed by a Bellevue police officer early Friday morning after firing at officers with what investigators described as a “high-velocity air rifle.” The incident is now being reviewed by the King County Independent Force Investigation Team, according to the Bellevue Police Department.
The shooting occurred around 12:30 a.m. in the 15800 block of Northup Way, following several hours of standoff. Police were first called to the scene at about 8:15 p.m. Thursday after reports of a man threatening people with a sword at an apartment complex.
When officers arrived, the man retreated into his unit and began firing at them with an air rifle that shot metal projectiles, investigators said.
The Independent Force Investigation Team confirmed the fatal shooting nearly 18 hours later.
Authorities have not released the name of the man or details about the officer involved. Bellevue police spokesperson Seth Tyler said the department will not release body- or dash-camera footage independently, leaving that decision to the outside investigators.
No officers were hurt during the incident.
Bellevue Police Why is it always shoot first? Need to do better assessment before getting trigger happy
As a retired Bellevue Police Department volunteer I believe that our Bellevue Police ARE NOT TRIGGER-HAPPY. They go through extensive training in all aspects of Law Enforcement. Many are transfers from other departments that also get additional training.