A U.S. Coast Guard officer was shot and killed in Washington state over the weekend in what investigators believe may have been a random attack, prompting authorities to search for the person responsible.
Lt. Connor Overstreet, 29, was fatally wounded shortly before 12:40 a.m. Sunday in a residential area of Bryn Mawr-Skyway, Washington, located about 10 miles south of downtown Seattle.
Emergency crews arrived to find Overstreet lying in the road and began life-saving efforts, but the active-duty Coast Guard member later died, according to Fox 13 Seattle.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office said Tuesday that Overstreet died from a gunshot wound to the chest and classified his death as a homicide.
Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no suspect has been publicly named in connection with the fatal shooting.
As the investigation continues, the King County Sheriff’s Office has set up a tipline and is asking residents to share any street-facing surveillance video recorded between 12:30 a.m. and 1:15 a.m. Sunday.
Officials have released few additional details about the circumstances of the shooting, citing the active and ongoing investigation.
Overstreet, originally from Reno, Nevada, was assigned to Air Station Ventura in California at the time of his death.
His remains were flown back to the base Friday with full honors.
“The Coast Guard is deeply saddened to confirm the death of LT Connor Overstreet, an active-duty member at Coast Guard Air Station Ventura, following an incident in the Seattle area,” the US Coast Guard Pacific Area told KING 5. “We extend our deepest condolences to the member’s family, friends and shipmates during this tragic time.”
Overstreet’s wife, Madeleine, called for justice for her “soulmate” on behalf of his family
“Connor was my rock and I am so honored to be Connor’s wife forever and always. All Connor wanted to do was save lives by flying for the Coast Guard. His loss is a tragedy felt by countless people. He was truly the best of us,” she said in a statement to Fox13.
“We plead with you to help us find answers, justice and peace for Connor and all who loved him so deeply,” the grieving widow added.
Overstreet’s family announced a $11,000 reward to help solve the investigation into the killing.
“I plead with the public to come forward with any information that may help bring justice for Connor,” his father Brennan Overstreet told the outlet. “Nothing can bring our son back but we have increased the reward for information in hopes to bring us answers in this unimaginable tragedy.
“Our family is devastated by the senseless loss of Connor. He brought joy, love, and kindness to all who knew him and the world is a darker place without him in it,” he said
