Cop cars burned to protest 'police brutality,' flier claims

By SCOTT GUTIERREZ
SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF

The arsonist who torched several Seattle police vehicles early today left behind fliers saying the fires were set to protest "police brutality," according to a law enforcement bulletin issued Thursday morning.

The fliers specifically mentioned a recent case involving a King County sheriff's deputy who is accused of beating a 15-year-old girl inside a SeaTac holding cell last year, according to the bulletin.

Seattle police have no involvement in that case. A law enforcement source read the bulletin to seattlepi.com.

The fires were reported just before 5 a.m. at the city's Charles Street maintenance center. Three Seattle police cars and a mobile command center were set ablaze.

Seattle police, who are investigating the fires, declined to comment on reports of the fliers. No arrests have yet been made.

Seattle police Sgt. Sean Whitcomb said police planned a internal meeting during which the case would be discussed.

"We may have more information later today," he said.

The fliers reportedly reference sheriff's Deputy Paul Schene, who is charged with misdemeanor assault for beating a teenage suspect inside a holding cell after she kicked her shoe at him. Schene has been fired from the Sheriff's Office.

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Surveillance video recorded what happened in the holding cell.