Police in Washington State Kill Handcuffed American Indian Man Who was Allegedly Carrying a Screwdriver

Stonechild Chiefstick was killed by a Pousbo Police Department officer while attending a fireworks celebration.

Published July 6, 2019

POULSBO, Wash. — Stonechild Chiefstick, a 39-year-old tribal citizen of the Suquamish Tribe and father of five children, was killed by an officer of the Poulsbo Police Department on Wednesday night. Chiefstick was at a local 3rd of July firework display.

The shooting took place in a public space where the public was gathered to celebrate Independence Day. Some citizens were dressed in red, white and blue to celebrate. Chiefstick allegedly was carrying a screwdriver and was threatening people.

The Poulsbo Police Department released a statement on Wednesday evening that reads in part:

“Just after 9:00 p.m. this evening, the Poulsbo Police Department responded to Waterfront Park for a report of a subject threatening people. This incident occurred in the middle of a large crowd of people gathering for the annual 3rd of July fireworks celebration.

Several officers contacted the subject, and shortly thereafter, a struggle ensued. During the struggle one officer fired his handgun, striking the subject.

The subject was handcuffed and officers on scene rendered aid while they were waiting for paramedics to arrive. Poulsbo Fire Department arrived and rendered aid, however, the suspect succumbed to his injuries.”

The name of the officer who killed Chiefstick has not been released. However, the police department says the officer has served the community of Poulsbo for five-years. This is the officer’s
first shooting.

The Kitsap County Coroner’s autopsy is tentatively scheduled within the next couple of days. At
the conclusion of their investigation they hope to release the identity and cause of death of the
deceased.

The Kitsap Critical Incident Response Team (KCIRT) is currently conducting their independent
investigation into this incident. KCIRT is a regional investigative team consisting of detectives from several departments in Kitsap County and the surrounding area. KCIRT is relied upon to provide independent investigative support for critical incidents, such as this.

Poulsbo is located 33 miles northwest of Seattle. According to a Facebook account, Chiefstick lived in Seattle.

 

 

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