Seattle police officer shot dead, trainee wounded in 1st on-duty death since 2006

SEATTLE — Few clues have emerged from a drive-by shooting that left a nine-year veteran Seattle police officer dead and a trainee injured on Halloween night.

Investigators on Sunday fielded tips, interviewed potential witnesses and scoured through video tapes for evidence that would lead them to the assailant or assailants. They have not yet identified a suspect or the suspect's vehicle, nor have they determined what kind of weapon was used.

Killed in the Saturday night shooting was field training officer Timothy Brenton, 39. Rookie officer Britt Sweeney, 33, suffered a minor injury.

The two were discussing a routine traffic stop while parked in downtown Seattle when their police cruiser was suddenly struck several times by gunfire shortly after 10 p.m., officials said.

Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel said Brenton died instantly. Sweeney ducked, and a bullet grazed her back. She then called for help and returned fire, Pugel said.

"This is an assassination, and every resource is being used to bring it to a conclusion," Pugel said.

Brenton became the city's first officer killed in the line of duty since 2006, and Saturday's shooting was the first intentional homicide of an officer since 1994, police officials said.

Pugel said there had been no threats against Brenton and no indication the assailants were looking for him.

Sweeney was taken to the hospital but was later released and is at home. She joined the force about six months ago, and had graduated from the academy just weeks ago.

Brenton is survived by his wife and two children, ages 11 and 8, officials said. His father and uncle are retired Seattle police officers.

"Everybody loved him," the officer's uncle, Jon Brenton of Kingston, Wash., told The Seattle Times. "I don't think there was any reason anybody would come after him."

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels described the shooting as "cold-blooded."

"Our community is in shock at this brutal and senseless crime," Nickels said. "The killing of someone who protects our public safety is universally condemned, and our city is united in rejecting this violence and supporting the men and women in uniform. "

In August 2006, rookie officer Joselito Barber was killed when a woman drove her sport utility vehicle through a red light and broadsided his patrol car.

In 1994, officer Antonio Terry was shot and killed after stopping behind a disabled vehicle, according to the Seattle Police Officers' Guild.

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Seattle Police Department: http://spdblotter.seattle.gov