“In the US, police conducted an operation targeting a suspected pedophile who was going to meet two children at a hotel. Officers waiting in the suspect’s hotel room opened fire when the suspect drew a weapon. In a statement from the police, it was reported that the suspect was killed. The Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Seattle Police Department (SPD) conducted an operation targeting a 67-year-old male suspect who was scheduled to meet two girls aged 7 to 11 at a hotel on April 17th. In footage shared by the police, three officers were seen opening the door to the hotel room, while the suspect took out a gun from his jacket pocket. In response, the officers fired at the suspect. In a statement from the police, it was stated, “We are releasing the body camera footage of an officer-involved shooting in Tukwila on April 17th. The incident resulted in the loss of the suspect’s life. The confrontation occurred during an operation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force around 3:14 pm. The task force was targeting an individual suspected of pedophilia. The police had valid reason to arrest the 67-year-old suspect. The suspect believed he was meeting two girls aged 7 and 11 in a hotel room. As three officers attempted to apprehend and arrest him, he produced a firearm. One of the officers took control of the weapon. Two officers fired at the suspect with the gun.” “INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN INCREASED BY 76% IN ONE YEAR” SPD Chief Adrian Diaz, in a statement made during the operation, emphasized the danger, unpredictability, and rapid escalation of such situations for our officers, highlighting a 76% increase in internet crimes against children from 2022 to 2023.”
