Seattle Police Release Bodycam Footage of Ballard Shootout; Suspect Charged With Assault

Seattle, Feb. 15, 2026 — Seattle authorities have released body-worn camera footage showing a gunfire exchange between police officers and a 62-year-old man accused of shooting at officers in the Ballard neighborhood earlier this week.

The suspect, identified by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as Christopher Michael Bowman of Kansas, has been charged with first- and second-degree assault. He remains hospitalized in critical condition after being shot by officers during the Feb. 12 confrontation.

Court records state that Bowman’s bail has been set at $3 million.

Incident Began With 911 Call

According to charging documents, the incident began Thursday evening when an 18-year-old woman contacted police, reporting that her former boyfriend was following her and that he may have been armed.

The woman entered a QFC grocery store in the Ballard area and told authorities she was unsure whether the suspect had followed her inside. Officers were dispatched shortly before 6 p.m. to the intersection of Northwest 62nd Street and 28th Avenue Northwest.

Three Seattle police officers responded to the call.

Confrontation Captured on Bodycam

The newly released bodycam footage shows officers approaching Bowman on the street. According to witness statements included in court filings, officers instructed him to remove his hands from his pockets.

Video appears to show Bowman pulling an object from his pocket and raising it toward one of the officers. Gunshots are heard moments later.

Officers returned fire, striking Bowman. Authorities confirmed that a firearm was recovered at the scene.

One officer sustained a graze wound to the leg during the exchange and was transported to a hospital. She was later released.

Charges and Criminal History

Prosecutors allege that Bowman intentionally fired at responding officers, leading to the shootout.

He now faces:

• First-degree assault

• Second-degree assault

If convicted, the charges could carry significant prison time under Washington state law.

Court documents also reveal that Bowman has an extensive criminal history outside Washington state, including prior felony convictions for rape, attempted aggravated robbery, and kidnapping.

Authorities have not provided further details about when or where those prior convictions occurred.

Proximity to Elementary School Raises Concerns

The shooting occurred near Adams Elementary School.

In a message sent to families, Principal Douglas Sohn confirmed that a bullet struck a teachers’ lounge window during the incident.

“No one inside the building was injured, and there is no indication that any students, staff, or families were directly involved or harmed,” Sohn said in the communication.

School officials said security protocols were immediately followed, and local law enforcement remained in the area while the situation was assessed.

Independent Investigation Underway

The King County Independent Force Investigation Team (IFIT) is leading the inquiry into the officer-involved shooting.

Under Washington law, independent investigative teams are required to review use-of-force incidents involving law enforcement officers.

The investigation will examine:

• Whether use of force complied with state law

• The timeline of events

• Ballistics evidence

• Bodycam and witness footage

• Officer conduct

Officials have not provided a timeline for when investigative findings may be released.

Public Safety and Policy Context

Officer-involved shootings continue to draw scrutiny nationwide, particularly in cases involving firearms and prior criminal histories.

Washington state law requires transparency measures in such cases, including timely release of bodycam footage where possible.

Seattle police have stated that releasing the footage is part of their commitment to public transparency.

Legal experts note that charging decisions in cases where suspects are shot often proceed independently from investigations into officer conduct.

Community Reaction

Residents in the Ballard neighborhood expressed concern about the proximity of gunfire to a school and residential areas.

Local authorities have emphasized that the rapid police response may have prevented further harm.

City officials have not announced any additional security measures but said patrol presence would remain heightened in the area as a precaution.

What Happens Next?

Several legal and investigative steps are now underway:

1. Bowman remains hospitalized and under custody.

2. Formal court proceedings will begin once his condition stabilizes.

3. The Independent Force Investigation Team will continue reviewing the officer-involved shooting.

4. Prosecutors will pursue assault charges through King County Superior Court.

If Bowman is deemed medically fit, he will be transported from the hospital to jail custody pending trial.

Investigators are also expected to release additional details once forensic reviews are completed.

Ongoing Updates Expected

The case remains active, and authorities have indicated further updates will be provided as both the criminal case and the independent investigation proceed.

For now, law enforcement officials maintain that officers responded to an immediate threat involving a firearm.

The April court schedule has not yet been publicly finalized.