Inquest Ordered into Shooting by Sheriff's Deputies

County Exec Dow Constantine has ordered an inquest into the March 23rd shooting death of a 19-year-old man Ravensdale resident by a King County Sheriff. County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg had recommended an inquest after his office reviewed reports of the incident from the Sheriff's Office. Inquests exist solely to provide facts to the public; criminal or civil liability will not be assigned.

The incident in question involved a man reportedly brandishing a machete, and leading officers from 4 different departments on a car chase, before finally attacking a deputy's car with the machete. After ignoring repeated entreaties to drop the weapon, deputies claim they had no choice but to open fire. Struck multiple times, the suspect succumbed to his wounds after deputies and the Maple Valley Fire Department failed to revive him.

The County was keen to note that such inquests are routine, and are not meant to imply any wrongdoing by officers.