Update 4:45 p.m. Suspect in officer’s slaying shot by police in Tukwila

Hundreds of Seattle Police Department officers, members of the Seattle Honor Guard, Portland Honor Guard, law enforcement officials from several states – including Oregon and Montana – and the public gathered to honor fallen Officer Timothy Brenton in a memorial procession and service at Key Arena today.

Officer Brenton was killed on Saturday night, October 31, when he and a trainee were sitting in his patrol car in the 100 Block of 29th Avenue South. A vehicle pulled up next to them and fired multiple shots into the car. The student officer received only minor injuries.

The procession left the University of Washington at 9 a.m. this morning, shutting down streets throughout the city as the more than 1,000 vehicles made their way to Key Arena for the memorial service.

Streets throughout the city were blocked off to make way for the procession. The motorcycle officers were first to arrive at Key Arena.

The band marched after them.

Followed by the cavalry.

And then a motorcade of police vehicles.

The public memorial service begins at 1 p.m. at Key Arena. There is no formal procession planned for after the service, there still may be added congestion on the roads due to the blocked off streets, rerouted buses and sheer numbers of people in attendance.

Officer Brenton was 39 years old. During his career he served with the Hoquiam and La Conner police department, before spending the last nine years with the SPD. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, daughter, Kayleigh, 11, and son, Quinn, 8.

A fund has been set up for Officer Brenton’s family. Donations can be made at any Bank of America branch, just say you would like to contribute to the “Brenton Family Assistance Fund.”

A white flag with the Seattle Police Badge, Seattle Police emblem and Officer Brenton’s serial number is flying atop the Space Needle until tonight. Donated by the Space Needle Corporation, the 20 x 30 foot flag will be given to his family. See a picture at the PI Police Blog.

See more pictures from the procession here. To see more video of the memorial procession, watch KING5′s coverage of the event.

Update 7:53 a.m.: WSDOT is closing the SR 520 Montlake exits and I-5/Stewart St Freeway ramps at 8:30 a.m. for the memorial procession. Remember to take surface streets to work. Seattle Metro warns that many buses will be delayed or rerouted for the event all over the city, especially in Montlake, Capitol Hill and Queen Anne. The Seattle Transit Blog has information about bus reroutes (Thanks Capitol Hill Seattle Blog!).

Just a reminder that the memorial procession and service for Officer Timothy Brenton is happening tomorrow morning. Approximately 1,000 to 1,500 vehicles will leave the University of Washington at 9 a.m. and travel to the Key Arena for a memorial service, which begins at 1 p.m.
View Memorial Procession for Timothy Brenton in a larger map

The procession alone is expected to last from 9 a.m. to noon, and SDOT has advised commuters to be prepared for severe congestion near the procession path, as traffic will not be allowed to be on or cross the route (including bicyclists and pedestrians). On Queen Anne, 1st Ave N from Denny to Mercer, and Mercer St. from 1st Ave N to 5th Ave N will be closed for the procession arrival, and other roads around Seattle Center will be closed to traffic and parking prior to the event. There will be no parking along the procession path and Seattle Police Department officers will manage all intersections. The Seattle Times has mapped out the procession so you can avoid getting caught in extra event traffic.

The memorial service at Key Arena is open to the public. Doors will open at 11 a.m. The service begins at 1 p.m. There is no formal procession planned for after the ceremony.