Lawyer: Man shot 4 times in side by Seattle police

The Associated Press • Published October 06, 2010

  • 0 comments

An attorney for the family of a First Nations woodcarver shot to death by a Seattle police officer says the man was struck by four bullets on his right side. Attorney Tim Ford tells The Seattle Times that indicates that 50-year-old John Williams was not facing the officer in the Aug. 30 incident.

The Times says Ford provided an autopsy report on Williams. He questions whether Williams posed a threat.

Seattle police have previously said that Officer Ian Birk fired four rounds from a distance of nine to 10 feet after warning Williams to drop a 3-inch knife he used for carving. However, officials have not said where Williams was struck, how many times or the precise positions of Birk and Williams.

Police spokesman Sgt. Sean Whitcomb says he can't comment on the autopsy results because of confidentiality rules.

Similar stories:

  • SEATTLE: Comedian arrested after dispute at bar

  • Prosecutors say Terrence Williams wielded gun in altercation

  • Bail set, but Hill remains in jail

  • Seattle PD: No video of officer-involved shooting

  • Bail set at $25K for Celtics F Terrence Williams

COMMENTS Community Publishing Guidelines

Join the Reader Network

Do you want The Olympian to keep you in mind when we canvass the community for opinions?

Click here and sign up with our Reader Network to offer your view.