Seattle teenager who pushed officer, and was punched in return, apologizes in private meeting

Punched Seattle teen apologizes to police officer

SEATTLE — A Seattle teen shown on video shoving a police officer who then punched her in the face has apologized to the officer in a private meeting.

Seattle police say Officer Ian Walsh accepted the apology Friday.

Separately, the King County prosecutor charged the 17-year-old girl as a juvenile with third-degree assault, which is punishable by a maximum 30 days in detention.

The incident happened Monday as the teen was intervening in a friend’s arrest for jaywalking. James Kelly of the Urban League of Seattle says he requested Friday’s meeting between the teen and the officer at a community center to help calm the situation.

Police have said the department’s civilian-led Office of Professional Accountability is investigating the 39-year-old officer’s actions.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SEATTLE (AP) — A Seattle teen shown on video shoving a police officer who then punched her in the face has apologized to the officer in a private meeting.

Seattle police say Officer Ian Walsh accepted the apology Friday.

Separately, the King County prosecutor charged the 17-year-old girl as a juvenile with third-degree assault, which is punishable by a maximum 30 days in detention.

The incident happened Monday as the teen was intervening in a friend’s arrest for jaywalking. James Kelley of the Urban League of Seattle says he requested Friday’s meeting between the teen and the officer at a community center to help calm the situation.

Police have said the department’s civilian-led Office of Professional Accountability is investigating the 39-year-old officer’s actions.

(This version CORRECTS APNewsNow. AP Video. SUBS graf 4 to correct spelling to Kelly.)