Police Officer James C. Brizendine, Seattle Police Department, Washington

Police Officer James C. Brizendine

Seattle Police Department, Washington

End of Watch Thursday, July 21, 1955

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James C. Brizendine

Police Officer James Brizendine was shot and killed by a civilian who mistook the officer for a prowler at 4233 4th Avenue NE.

He and his partner responded to the report of a prowler but didn't find the subject when they searched the yard at the call location. Officer Brizendine began searching the adjoining yard and walked toward the house, shining his flashlight. The homeowner, alerted by his neighbor that there was a prowler in the area and blinded by Officer Brizendine's flashlight, thought Officer Brizendine was the prowler and fired a single shotgun blast, killing him.

Officer Brizendine was a United States Navy World War II veteran and had served with the Seattle Police Department for 18 months. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 33
Tour 1 year, 6 months
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire

mistaken identity, suspicious person

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Officer. Brizendine,
On today, the 70th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific and European Theaters of Operations during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 21, 2025