Updated Nov 5, 2009 - 6:50 pm
Police release images of suspect vehicle
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KIRO Radio Staff
Seattle police have released three photos of the suspect's car taken from a dashboard surveillance system the night of Officer Timothy Brenton's murder.
The 39-year-old officer was fatally shot on Halloween night and a rookie officer with him was wounded as they were parked reviewing a traffic stop.
Police say they're looking for a white or beige 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210 as they try to find the killer of Officer Timothy Brenton.
Police say that auto design experts tell them the old Datsun most resembles an enhanced video image of a vehicle captured on the dashboard camera of a patrol car that responded to the shooting. They say the car on the video was clearly in the area at the time of the attack and is similar to the car described by surviving Officer Britt Sweeney. She returned fire and the car may have been hit. Police add that the shooter may have since gotten rid of the car.
If you have recently sold a vehicle of this type or had one stolen, the Seattle Police are asking you to call 206-233-5000.
Seattle police have also developed a psychological profile of the suspect.
Police said they believe the person who murdered Officer Brenton and injured Officer Britt Sweeney as they sat in a patrol car at 29th and East Yesler "may have increased his practice with weapons."
Police said after the shooting, the suspect may be silent or quiet when expected to be outspoken, the suspect may be acting unlike themselves, and "he may also display an uncharacteristic interest or even fascination in the news of the shooting."
Police said the suspect was noticeably absent on the night of the shooting, the suspect recently suffered a personal crisis. "This event may have been the death of a loved one, loss of job or status, divorce, financial hardship, or other failure. Whatever it is that is bothering him, he may often be outspoken about what he perceives to be a deeply personal grievance."
Police said they'd like to know what the grievance is and they're wondering why the suspect took out his grievance on the police department.
Police believe that even though the suspect shot an officer, "he may in fact admire them and even act like them."
While the focus appears to be on a sole suspect, police have not ruled out the possibility of a small group of suspects.
There is a $105,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this investigation.
Brenton's funeral will be held a 1 p.m. Friday at the KeyArena. More than 1,000 cars are expected to take part in a procession that leaves at 9 a.m. from the University of Washington on a route through the city.
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