Seattle—For two days Washington police were in a state of fear and uncertainty after the slaying of four Lakewood Police officers. But they can rest easier now knowing that the suspect in the case, 37-year-old Maurice Clemmons, has been shot dead by a lone Seattle patrolman. Last Sunday morning, Clemmons entered the Forza coffee shop in Parkland and shot four police officers. Clemmons then vacated the area and the police began their manhunt. Clemmons managed to avoid capture for so long thanks to the help of his family and friends who provided him with shelter, money, and transportation. But Clemmons was finally found early this morning when a Seattle Police officer came across a stolen car. While running information on the car’s plates the officer noticed and recognized Clemmons approaching his car. Clemmons then ran from the scene, the officer ordered him stop, he did not, and the officer opened fire. Clemmons was pronounced dead on the scene.
Mugshot of Clemmons.
While the community mourns this latest tragedy we shouldn’t forget the other recent assaults against Police in Washington state. This past October 22nd, the same day as a Police Brutality protest in downtown Seattle, four Seattle Police cars were torched in the city’s maintenance yard. October 31st, Halloween Night, Officer Timothy Brenton was shot and killed while sitting in his patrol car at traffic stop. The man suspected of shooting Officer Brenton, 31-year-old Christopher Monfort, was eventually arrested and wounded by police in a shootout outside Monfort’s home. Monfort is also believed to be involved in the police car fires, after similar items found at the scene were found in his home.
Not everyone agrees with or likes the police. But the fact remains that their primary duty is to protect and serve the community. There are officers and departments that abuse their power, and we may feel the need to stand up. However there is never a justifiable reason for killing a police officer. You’re only meeting violence with more violence. Until more people work to make positive changes, we’ll have to live in a world where were afraid of those who sworn to protect us and where they have reason to fear us.
