Officer Britt Sweeney testifies about shooting of partner

The only person to witness the fatal shooting of Seattle police officer Timothy Brenton five years ago has testified.

Officer Britt Kelly (formerly Sweeney) was in the driver seat of the patrol car when Christopher Monfort allegedly pulled up next to them and fired several rounds into the car.

“The next thing I remember was a very bright muzzle flash, a very loud noise, and the smell of gun powder – so fierce,” Kelly told the courtroom Wednesday.

Kelly’s training officer, Timothy Brenton, was hit four times in the head.

“At that point, I was not focused on Tim,” she said.

“What were you focused on?” asked the prosecutor.

“Survival.”

Kelly said her first thought was whether she could shoot back.

“I exited the vehicle, at some point, turned on my portable radio, and engaged in the vehicle as it was passing by … I returned fire on the vehicle,” she said.

Monfort, 46, faces five felony charges, including aggravated first-degree murder, which carries a potential death penalty. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Officer Kelly had only been working in the East Precinct for three days with Brenton when the attack occurred at 29th and Yesler Way on Halloween night 2009.

KIRO Radio’s Bob Larson contributed to this report.