Seattle Police Department, Washington
End of Watch: Thursday, July 21, 1955
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 6 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 21, 1955
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Ruled accidental
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.