Updated Nov 5, 2009 - 7:46 am
Police say they have image of cop killer's car
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Police investigating the killing of a Seattle police officer say video from a police car camera shows a car similar to the light-colored subcompact from which the fatal shots were fired.
Spokesman Sean Whitcomb says the video was recorded around the time and vicinity of the Halloween shooting.
Whitcomb called it a vehicle of interest Wednesday, and said police are continuing to investigate a number of other leads and still asking for tips.
After the shooting that killed Officer Tim Brenton and grazed Officer Britt Sweeney, the suspect car backed away in an apparent attempt to avoid the police car's camera. Whitcomb says that's a sign the shooting was planned.
Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel said they received tips about the suspect's car described as a small, light- colored, two or four door vehicle, possible gray, white, or light blue.
"We are looking for a damaged vehicle and in fact, we've had several tips of cars that could have been involved," said Pugel in a news conference.
Pugel says Sweeney may have hit the other vehicle with some shots. "We are debriefing the officer, and she is not sure how or if her rounds definitely impacted the car or the person."
Pugel said police have not yet determined the type of weapon used in the shooting. "We still don't know what type of weapon was used. We have not recovered any yet."
The reward for information to help catch the killer of Brenton is now up to $105,000.
"Somebody knows something. They might think it's insignificant but it might be that piece that might crack the case," said Rich O'Neill, President of the Seattle Police Officer's Guild.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Investigators also are looking for any possible connections between the murder and the Oct. 22 torching of four police vehicles at a Seattle maintenance yard. Police spokesman Sean Whitcomb says the timing and sophisticated nature of both attacks warrant scrutiny.
Many people have left cards and flowers at the makeshift memorial at 29th and East Yesler.
Officer Brenton's family released a statement Tuesday afternoon expressing their thanks to the community. "The family of Officer Tim Brenton would like to thank the community for the tremendous outpouring of support. Even with the tragic loss, Tim's wife and children are finding solace in the support from the police community, their friends and family, and the community as a whole. We know that Tim would be honored and humbled by the limitless support that has been provided at the difficult time. We sincerely thank you for the generous emotional support, thoughts, and prayers."
A memorial service has been scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday at Seattle's Key Arena to honor Brenton. A fund has been set up for his family. Donations may be made at any Bank of America to the "Brenton Family Assistance Fund."
© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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