Man Dies in Seattle Police Custody in Georgetown: Bellevue PD Leading Investigation
Seattle Today Newsroom
September 15, 2026
Photo Credit: Brian Zhu
An investigation is underway after a man died in Seattle police custody Saturday evening in the Georgetown neighborhood, according to the Bellevue Police Department, which is spearheading the independent inquiry.
The encounter began shortly before 8:15 p.m. when Seattle officers were dispatched to the 6000 block of Airport Way South to address a reported disturbance, Detective Brian Pritchard noted Monday Morning, though further context surrounding the initial call was not immediately made available. Upon arrival, officers located the man lying on the sidewalk in a state where he could not care for himself or communicate clearly, Bellevue police reported.
Officers placed the man on the front push bar of a parked patrol vehicle without using handcuffs while requesting medical assistance to evaluate his condition. However, while waiting for emergency medics to reach the scene, the man fell to the ground and started rolling into the street. At that point, officers placed him in handcuffs. As they continued to await the arrival of medical personnel, the man became unresponsive. First responders attempted life-saving measures on site, but he was pronounced dead.
The cause of death has not been determined. The Bellevue Police Department is heading the Independent Force Investigation Team tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released by authorities.
