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 to search the adjoining yard and he 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 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

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire

mistaken identity, suspicious person

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On this 65th anniversary of your untimely departure we say thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

To your niece Anna, God Bless you and your family.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 21, 2020