Is EPD "petitioning to have investigation of the incident sealed" in John Karl Sieger's death?

John Karl Sieger died on July 23 during an EPD Officer involved shooting.

I sent the following questions to DA Maggie Fleming and EPD Chief Steve Watson.

1. Information was given to me from different sources that EPD is "petitioning to have investigation of the incident sealed."

2. Other ources also claim one of the officers on scene that day is "thinking hard core about putting in a two week notice."

Re # 1, I think the public deserves to know.

Re #2, that is not a firm decision yet and unless someone has resigned, I realize you may not be able to answer. That question is specifically to Chief Watson.

DA Maggie Fleming is out of the office.

Chief Watson responded:

1. We are not seeking nor do we want to “petition to have the investigation of the incident sealed.”  This is completely false. In fact, as I’ve already clearly messaged, we intend full transparency and the public will get to see the whole investigation once completed including all video and audio evidence, findings, reports etc.  They get it all.  We want the public to know. Now, it is not uncommon in these cases to request to seal/protect private, personal information totally unrelated and irrelevant to the criminal case that is incidentally discovered during the service of a search warrant.

2. I’ve no information about this and hope not.  We don’t want to lose any more good people.  I care very deeply about the health and welfare of all our officers, dispatchers and professional staff and these are extremely stressful, trying times to be in law enforcement.  We are committed to giving them all the support they need. 

Without jeopardizing my sources, as I told Chief Watson, part of the reason I put this information out and get comment from him and DA Fleming is to quell any misinformation being put out there.

At EPD’s request, the Humboldt County Multi-Agency Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) was mobilized to investigate this incident.  CIRT is comprised of representatives from various Humboldt County law enforcement agencies who receive specialized training in the handling of critical incident investigations such as officer-involved shootings.

The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office is participating as a co-lead investigating agency in the CIRT investigation with the primary and assisting law enforcement agencies.  The completed CIRT investigation will be submitted to the District Attorney for review and to ultimately determine if any criminal liability exists.


Previous posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/07/john-karl-sieger-identified-as-deceased.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/07/despite-mental-health-on-scene-man.html?m=1