End of Watch: 03/07/2001
Agency: Des Moines Police Department
County: King County
Officer Steven Underwood was shot and killed while questioning four juvenile suspects he had stopped while they were walking along Pacific Highway. Underwood had requested backup and stated he recognized one of the suspects as a wanted felon. When additional units arrived, they found him with critical gunshot wounds to the abdomen and head. Underwood was wearing a vest, but the abdomen shot entered just below the vest line. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries approximately four hours later. All four suspects were eventually apprehended and the shooter was charged with aggravated murder. The other three suspects were not charged. In November 2004, the suspect pled guilty to first degree murder in a plea bargain with prosecutors. He was sentenced to 34 years in prison.
Officer Underwood served the Des Moines Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife and son.