Video released from surveillance footage and bodycam footage shows a shocking moment when a man throws a torch inside a Seattle Police Department patrol vehicle while the officer was still inside.
On October 15, police were reportedly seeking a man who allegedly had been swinging a hammer at a man in Denny Park. According to King County Superior Court and Prosecuting Attorney's Office, multiple citizens piled on top of the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Brian Leil, and got the hammer away from him. Leil managed to break free and ran.
Not long after, multiple reports of a man also later identified as Leil, were made concerning a man walking around with a long piece of wood set on fire on one end.
Surveillance video, dashcam and bodycam footage show a responding officer approach Leil in his patrol vehicle and ordering him to drop the torch. Leil ignored the officer's commands. When Leil saw the officer was following him, he turned around and ran towards the vehicle and threw the piece of wood on fire inside the SUV, hitting the officer.
The officer then fired multiple shots at Leil, who reportedly was not hit. The officer climbed out of the passenger side of the vehicle before it became engulfed in fire.
The officer pursued Leil into a nearby parking garage and with the help of other officers, was able to place him under arrest after using a Taser on him.
Leil is being charged with first and second-degree assault.
Source: TheNewsTribune.com