SMART Use of Force Investigations

Within the past couple of weeks, the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team (SMART) has opened investigations into two separate police use of force incidents. Per policies, the 6 Snohomish County deputies involved in the cases have been placed on administrative leave during the investigations.

Man Accused of Causing a Disturbance Suffers Head Injury

The first incident, involving 4 of the deputies under investigation, occurred on May 6, 2020. The deputies responded to a report of a 43-year-old man who was causing a disturbance. This was the second of such calls to police at the location.

According to the SMART news release, the man was being uncooperative when the deputies approached him. In consulting with a family member, the deputies decided that, because of a possible mental disorder, the man needed to be non-voluntarily committed.

When deputies attempted to take the man into custody, he tried to disarm one of the deputies, and they became involved in a physical altercation.

Eventually, the deputies apprehended the man, and he was taken to Swedish-Edmonds. At the hospital, the man lost consciousness, and doctors determined that he had suffered a head injury.

The SMART team is investigating the incident as to the cause of the man's head injury.

Taser Used on Man in Estranged Wife's Backyard

In the early morning of May 10, 2020, deputies were called out to a residence because of a suspicious man in the backyard. When the deputies attempted to contact the man, he fled. They eventually caught up to him in a wooded area. An altercation ensued, during which one of the deputies deployed their taser.

According to the SMART news release, after the taser was deployed, the deputies noticed that the man had a wound on his neck. The man was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center Colby Campus to be treated for serious injuries.

It was later determined that the man was on the property of his estranged wife. He was subject to a domestic violence court order and prohibited from entering the woman's property. Detectives reported that they found a backpack containing a hunting knife belonging to the man, and they believe that he was slashing tires.

Upon his release from the hospital, the man was booked into the Snohomish County Jail.

He is facing charges of:

Assault domestic violence,
Violating a no-contact protective order,
Malicious mischief, and
Stalking

Police Use of Force

If officers are trying to mitigate an incident, arrest someone, or protect themselves or others, they may use an amount of force necessary to do so. Every situation is different, and the amount of force they use will vary. But when their use of force becomes excessive, they are overstepping their authority and can and should be held accountable for their actions. Victims whose civil rights were violated because of an excessive use of force may pursue a claim against the officers and the agency they work for.

By holding officers accountable for excessive use of force, we ensure that the rights of not only the accused but every citizen are protected.

If the civil rights of you or a loved one were violated during an interaction with law enforcement officials in Lynnwood or the surrounding areas, contact DUIHeroes at (425) 296-9358 to discuss the situation during a free consultation.