On August 30th, 2010, the Seattle Police Department "serves and protects" John T. Williams, a Native American woodcarver.

Williams made his meager living by carving small totem poles to sell to novelty stores which, in turn, sold them to tourists.

Williams was deaf.

This video is from the dashboard camera of the police car. You can see Williams crossing the street, legally, in the crosswalk, in front of the police car. He appears to be studying the piece of wood he's carrying, and in his other hand, he's carrying a small knife. The knife was reported to have had a three inch blade, which is legal, and despite what the officer told the other police officers appearing on the scene, another witness said that he saw the knife laying on the sidewalk beside the body, and it was closed.

All you need to watch is the first few minutes of the video, and then decide for yourself if the officer gave Williams enough time to respond to his order.

Remembering that Williams was deaf.

CLICK, and quickly scroll down.

". . . to serve and protect. . . ."

Don Firth