May 11, 2020
PORT ORCHARD – The Kitsap Critical Incident Response Team (KCIRT) is investigating an incident that occurred at the Kitsap County Jail, resulting in one Kitsap County Correction’s Officer and one inmate being hospitalized.
On Saturday, May 9, 2020, at around 10:30 a.m., Kitsap County Corrections Officers responded to an inmate in crisis. The inmate, Sean Michael Howell, 28, was arrested by the Bremerton Police Department on May 8, 2020 and booked in Kitsap County Jail for First-Degree Murder.
Howell had been in a crisis cell and was attempting to tamper with the sprinkler system. Corrections officers attempted to stop Howell from damaging the sprinkler, but Howell became combative, leading to a physical altercation.
The altercation resulted in Howell and one corrections officer being transported to the hospital. Howell remains hospitalized in critical condition. The corrections officer was treated and released.
Due to Howell’s status as a homicide suspect, he is currently guarded by KCIRT non-involved agency members. Due to security reasons, the exact hospital location is not being released.
Specifics regarding the dynamics of the altercation remain under investigation by KCIRT.
Agencies who responded to investigate include the Washington State Patrol, Port Orchard Police Department, Poulsbo Police Department and Shelton Police Department.
The Washington State Patrol is the lead investigating agency. Any inquiries into the homicide should be directed to the Bremerton Police Department.
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