End of Watch: 07/21/1955
Agency: Seattle Police Department
County: King County
Officer James C. Brizendine was shot and killed accidentally by a citizen who mistook the officer for a prowler. Officer Brizendine and his partner were responding to the report of a prowler and when they arrived and searched the yard, they found nothing. Officer Brizendine was searching the adjoining yard with his flashlight when the homeowner thought Officer Brizendine was the prowler and fired single shotgun blast, killing Officer Brizendine. The homeowner was charged with manslaughter and he pled guilty. Following the recommendation of the Prosecutor’s Office and the Seattle Police Department his sentence was deferred for three years on the condition that he not possess any firearms during that time.
Officer James Cody Brizendine served the Seattle Police Department for three years. He is survived by his wife and daughters.