Police say DNA links suspect to killing of Seattle officer, destruction of cruisers

Police: DNA, bullets link suspect to officer death

SEATTLE — Investigators say DNA and ballistics tests link a suspect shot by detectives last week to the Halloween slaying of a Seattle police officer and an attempted hit on law enforcement nine days earlier.

Seattle Assistant Chief Jim Pugel said Monday DNA belonging to 41-year-old Christopher Monfort was found on an American-flag-style bandanna on the ground where Officer Timothy Brenton was shot and killed and officer-trainee Britt Sweeney was wounded.

In addition, Pugel says Monfort’s DNA was discovered on a small flag found at a city maintenance yard where four police vehicles were firebombed.

Pugel says investigators are now characterizing that attack as an attempted assassination.

Monfort’s attorney did not immediately return a call or email seeking comment.

Monfort remained hospitalized in satisfactory condition after being shot by police Friday as he was sought in connection with the killing of officer Timothy Brenton.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SEATTLE (AP) — The man accused in the Halloween-night shooting death of a Seattle policeman remains hospitalized, and authorities were expected to talk more about why they believe the suspect is a domestic terrorist who held a grudge against law enforcement.

Police scheduled a news conference for Monday afternoon to discuss the case against Christopher Monfort, 41. Meanwhile, King County prosecutors were preparing a potential death penalty charge, The Seattle Times reported.

Police also believe Monfort played a role in the Oct. 22 fire-bombings of four police vehicles.

Monfort was shot by detectives in the parking lot of his suburban Tukwila apartment complex on Friday. The detectives were pursuing a tip that a car at the complex matched the description of a vehicle seen nearby when officer Timothy Brenton was killed.

Authorities say the detectives opened fire after Monfort pulled a handgun.

Investigators found improvised explosive devices and two rifles at Monfort’s home, said Seattle Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel. No evidence has been found suggesting Monfort worked with others, Pugel said.

Brenton was sitting in a car Oct. 31 with rookie Officer Britt Sweeney following a traffic stop when shots were fired. Sweeney was grazed in the neck.

The shooting between detectives and Monfort on Friday happened as a memorial service for Brenton was finishing at Seattle’s KeyArena.

Monfort arrived at Seattle’s Harboview Medical Center in critical condition with “multiple injuries” and underwent hours of surgery Friday night. Hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg-Hanson said he remained in serious condition but stable condition Monday and was showing signs of improvement.