SEATTLE — The Bellevue Police Department filed an extreme risk protection order Feb. 28 against the man shot and killed by Seattle police outside the Federal Office Building in downtown Seattle on March 5.
In their petition, Bellevue police said they had "recent contacts" with William Stephens, 39, who appeared "to be in a declining mental state," according to court documents obtained by KING 5. Police sought to confiscate all firearms in his possession.
Specifically, Williams obtained a concealed carry permit and tried to purchase a gun in Bellevue. The gun shop refused to sell to Williams after he expressed "concerns about a mafia plot to kill him."
Police tried to serve Williams the order March 1, but they couldn't find him. The hearing for the order was scheduled for March 8.
Stephens was shot multiple times by police after reportedly crashing into the Federal Office Building and firing a gun several times.
Five officers shot at Stephens after he refused their orders, according to the Seattle Police Department. Two of the officers have been with the department for fewer than four years, two have been with the department for about four years, and one has been with the department for more than a decade.
The Seattle police Department released bodycam footage of the shooting on March 8. (Warning: video contains graphic content. You can watch the video here)
Seattle police received reports of gunshots near the intersection of First Avenue and Yesler Street, as well as the 100 block of Marion Street, around 8:10 p.m. Officers found Stephens on Marion Street where he crashed his vehicle into the federal building, according to Seattle police.
Stephens was still armed when officers arrived, according to the Seattle Police Department. Security guards had already made contact with him, according to police.
As officers began giving Stephens orders, he "picked up his rifle and charged at officers," according to the Seattle Police Department.
The shooting occurred in an area near a crowded restaurant.
The incident is being investigated by Seattle's Force Investigations Team, The Office of Professional Accountability and The Office of the Inspector General.
Police haven't released a motive for Stephens' actions.
However, a neighbor of Stephens in Bellevue said his behavior changed recently and that he has been paranoid. For the past few months, according to the neighbor who wished to remain anonymous, Stephens has been writing messages on the outside of his home and garage.
KING 5 confirmed messages were written on the outside of Stephens' home. One written on the garage door asks the FBI for protective custody. Another said he's a victim of fraud.