Rantz: Seattle PD says initial memos announcing suspect arrest turned out to be false
Jun 16, 2021, 9:05 AM | Updated: Jun 17, 2021, 5:59 am
The flag outside the Seattle Police Department's West Precinct is at half staff in honor of the off-duty officer who was killed on I-5. (KTTH, Jason Rantz)
(KTTH, Jason Rantz)
After two all-staff memos, including one written by Interim Chief Adrian Diaz, announcing the arrest of a suspect in the theft of Seattle police officer Alexandra Harris’ car, the Seattle Police Department spokesperson now says they made a mistake.
Randy Huserik, public information officer for the SPD, confirmed to the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH that both email memos were based on what the SPD knew at the time.
Q13 FOX reporter Brandi Kruse first reported this development.
Washington State Patrol released a statement refuting media reports on the arrest but did not mention the SPD memos. It’s unclear when the WSP learned that the SPD had emailed the erroneous information.
It’s unknown if Chief Diaz will send out an email to correct his earlier claim.
Original report
Multiple sources confirmed to the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH that Seattle police arrested the suspect accused of stealing the personal car of Seattle police officer Alexandra Harris, who was struck and killed on I-5 early Sunday while off-duty.
According to one internal email to Seattle Police Department staff, officers were provided intelligence before executing a plan to search multiple locations for suspects. Around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, the “primary suspect” was located in a vehicle and taken into custody.
The Washington State Patrol is handling the investigation and disputed a suspect was arrested via press release. But, a second email from SPD to staff after this story was initially published also says the suspect was arrested.
It’s unclear if there are more suspects.
SPD Patrol, SWAT, detectives, along with the WSP worked together to make the arrest.
I have the name of the suspect but out of respect to the investigation — and possible witnesses that may be contacted — I'm withholding for now.
Sources noted that he has a lengthy criminal. /end
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) June 16, 2021
Officer Harris was hit when she stopped to assist in an accident on I-5. Moments after being struck, her vehicle was stolen.
According to the incident summary from the SPD Blotter, she had just left work when she happened upon a collision on I-5 near South Forest Street. At this point in the investigation, SPD writes, it appears that Harris pulled over and got out to check on the drivers involved in the collision. She was outside her vehicle when she was then struck by an additional motorist and killed.
The driver who hit Harris stayed at the scene, and state patrol has said they are cooperating with the investigation.
The officer’s personal car that was stolen had been found abandoned.
According to an SPD internal email: “Officers were provided intelligence, formed plans, and searched multiple locations for suspects. At approximately 0100 hours, the primary suspect was located in a vehicle and taken into custody. WSP will have follow-up responsibilities.”
Updated 5:38 p.m. to reflect claim by Washington State Patrol.
Updated 7:57 p.m. to reflect SPD now says they erred in their original memos.
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