The Seattle police officer who was fired after hitting and killing a woman with his police vehicle is appealing his termination.

SPD officers led an anti-narcotics operation in Downtown Seattle Wednesday night, arresting one individual in the process.

An investigation showed the officer was heading to an emergency call and speeding in a 25 mph zone when he struck Jaahnavi Kandula, who had the right of way.

The use of blast balls, tear gas and pepper spray has been contentious, the debate picking up steam after the 2020 protests. But they never were fully outlawed.

Officer Kevin Dave filed the appeal on Jan. 10 with the Public Safety Civil Service Commission. The appeal states Dave's firing violated Article XVI of the Charter of the City of Seattle, which states no civil service member can be suspended or fired except for a justifiable cause.

The Seattle Police Department is making strides in rebuilding its ranks after several challenging years. In 2024, the department achieved a major milestone, hiring 84 new officers—a significant boost as SPD works to address staffing shortages.

The department, which has faced a significant exodus of officers in recent years, hired 84 new recruits in 2024.

Hiring has been a major priority for the department, after dealing with critical shortages the past few years.

The Seattle Times announced in a story published early Thursday it is suing the Seattle Police Department (SPD) over the release of public records.

Seattle police arrested three people during two separate narcotics operations in Seattle's Chinatown-International District last week.

It's one thing to hear that more police officers are joining Seattle police than are leaving the department, and another to see it.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell this week defended his record on housing, balancing the budget, and public safety, and promised that 2025 will bring more accountability to the Seattle Police and more business downtown.