Off-Duty Renton Police Officer Assaulted During Apparent Road Rage Incident

A 10-year Renton Police veteran suffered facial lacerations, sore ribs and multiple contusions following an assault on Friday, June 1.

The 37-year-old off duty officer was driving his private vehicle north on SR-167 when he witnessed a traffic dispute at the I-405 interchange with SR-167.

According to the officer, a white Mercedes merging onto SR-167 nearly struck a Toyota on the roadway. The Mercedes then stopped, blocking all traffic turning eastbound, including the Toyota. The two occupants of the Mercedes then exited the car and walked toward the Toyota. 

The off-duty officer got out of his car, displayed his badge, and identified himself as a member of the Renton Police Department

The man and woman who had gotten out of the Mercedes and approached the Toyota then turned on the officer. Witnesses reported seeing the man and woman punch and grab the officer. They eventually knocked him on the ground and continued their attack, repeatedly striking the officer with their fists, kicking and choking the downed officer. 

The suspects fled, but were arrested later in the day, and identified as a 33-year-old man and his 31-year-old wife, both from Seattle.

The officer was treated at a local hospital and released. Both suspects remain at King County Jail. Formal charges expected to be pronounced on Wednesday, June 6.

*Editor's Note: The original article contained a few typos that have since been corrected. Patch regrets the error.