Whittling Man Fatally Shot By Seattle Police

A man who was whittling something was fatally shot by a police officer after he came toward an officer with a knife, Seattle police said.

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The incident occurred on Monday at about 4:15 p.m. at Boren and Howell streets in downtown Seattle.

Seattle police told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Karen O'Leary a West Precinct officer was patrolling the area when he saw the man, stopped and asked him what he was doing.

Police say the man suddenly stood up and walked toward the officer, and ignored several loud commands to stop and drop the knife.

The man was shot by the officer and died at the scene.

“I heard about four or five pops in a very quick succession and heard a couple of screams,” said witness Court Roberson.

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Chopper 7 pilot and reporter Clark Stahl said there were at least a dozen police cruisers at the scene.

UNCUT: Scene Of Downtown Shooting

A witness named Danielle told KIRO 7 she saw a man against a wall and that the officer “went at him.” There was a scuffle, and then the man was on the ground.

Neighbors said they heard at least four gunshots.

Bystanders in the area told KIRO 7 reporter Chris Legeros they were unhappy with the police’s explanation of the shooting of a man they say was homeless and harmless.

“I think it’s a tragedy that could have been avoided easily,” said Cynthia Repsher.

The man’s identity has not been released, but several people said he went by the street name of Cowboy.