SPD investigating after officer shoots, kills person in West Seattle

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) reported that police are investigating after an officer shot and killed a person in West Seattle Wednesday, according to the department’s blotter post.

The incident happened at SPD’s Southwest Precinct in the 2300 block of Southwest Webster Street.

I’m here at the scene with the latest. Listen on @KIRONewsradio https://t.co/LbCBuC6nYZ pic.twitter.com/ZecVyTotK2

— Sam Campbell (@HeySamCampbell) March 19, 2025

Firefighters said the suspect was around 30 years old and was shot three times after he allegedly continued to approach officers after gaining access to a fenced area. Police said the man was wielding a knife and refused to stand down even after officers deployed what was described as a “sponge round.”

It’s not known what happened afterward, but police said the encounter happened quickly and an officer fired his department handgun, striking the man.

The suspect was given CPR but succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at the scene.

Although it’s not clear why the man entered the Southwest Precinct’s lot or how he was able to access what police called a secure portion, Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said officers were looking into a 911 call that came in shortly before the shooting at the neighboring Home Depot. A man was reportedly suicidal. Police could not confirm whether it was the same man.

SPD’s blotter states the events leading up to the shooting are under investigation and per policy, the department will release a video of the incident within 72 hours.

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Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest; Sam Campbell and Luke Duecy, KIRO Newsradio