The 20-year-old Seattle man fatally shot by Kent Police after he reportedly tried to flee in a vehicle while dragging an officer has been identified as Eugene Nelson.
Nelson died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Two officers shot Nelson early in the morning Wednesday on the East Hill. Police had responded to a violation of a domestic violence no-contact order at a business in the 23600 block of 104th Avenue Southeast, according to a Kent Police media release
Police arrived and attempted to make contact with Nelson, who had violated the domestic violence court order three times over the last couple of days – two violations occurring within the previous 24 hours. Nelson ran from officers as they attempted to apprehend him. A K-9 officer and his police dog were on location and were deployed to assist with the apprehension.
The man ran to the vehicle he was driving, which was a reported stolen vehicle, and started the engine. As officers tried again to take the suspect into custody, he started to drive off, dragging the K-9 officer and his dog.
Two officers fired at the man, striking the suspect multiple times. The man was declared dead following immediate life-saving efforts from officers and medical personnel. The K-9 officer and his dog sustained minor injuries.
Police later discovered that the man had an active felony warrant for his arrest as well as other misdemeanor warrants, one for domestic violence.
The Valley Investigative Team, led by the Renton Police, will handle the investigation. The involved officers have been placed on administrative leave which is standard policy with officers involved in critical incidents.
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