A multi-agency response team activated to respond to police shootings is investigating a Feb. 16 fatal shooting by a Sedro-Woolley police officer of an alleged auto-theft suspect.
The suspect, David A. Babcock, 51, died Feb. 17 at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham.
Police did not announce Babcock’s death until Feb. 21, after the Whatcom County Medical Examiner completed an autopsy that determined Babcock died from a gunshot wound to the head. His death was ruled a homicide.
An information officer for Skagit-Island Mulitple Agency Response Team (SMART) made clear in a release the different meanings of homicide, ranging from murder to justifiable homicide.
SMART is typically activated when an independent team is needed to investigate an officer’s use of deadly force.
According to SMART news releases containing incomplete accounts, Mount Vernon Police attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle believed to be stolen at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Feb. 16 at College Way and Interstate 5 in Mount Vernon. The vehicle fled northbound on I-5, and officers did not pursue.
At approximately 11:49 p.m., Sedro-Woolley police officers attempted to reengage the vehicle at North Fruitdale Road and McGarigle Road, northeast of Sedro-Woolley.
The latest SMART release, issued Monday, states that officers were off the roadway near McGargile Road when Babcock approached in his vehicle. According to the release, Babcock left the roadway toward the officer’s location when the shooting occurred.
“It’s too early for conclusions as to why the driver took these actions or the resulting weapon discharge by police,” the release states. Evidence including the vehicle and officer’s body cameras are being processed as part of the investigation, the release states.
Four officers were on the scene when a Sedro-Woolley officer shot Babcock. The suspect was airlifted to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, according to SMART.
Police declined to respond to questions or release other details pending completion of their investigation.
This story was updated Feb. 22 at 3:42 p.m. to reflect new information released.
