News Flash

The City of Issaquah has become aware of a lawsuit filed by the estate of Wangsheng Leng against the City related to a police incident that occurred on Aug. 5, 2018.  

On that date, police were dispatched to a potential domestic violence situation based upon a 911 call from a neighbor reporting raised voices, and items being thrown. Two officers responded to the residence and knocked on the front door.  

Mr. Leng’s wife answered the door and officers observed that Mr. Leng was holding his wife from behind. The door began to close, potentially keeping the officers from investigating further. The officers then entered the residence to further investigate the possible domestic violence situation, and separate the parties.  

At this time, officers attempted to detain Mr. Leng to safely continue their investigation. Due to Mr. Leng’s resistance, the officers held him by the arms and moved him to a couch to safely handcuff him. After handcuffing Mr. Leng the officers determined that the incident was of a medical nature and summoned medical assistance. Eastside Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and determined to transport Mr. Leng to the hospital for medical monitoring.  
 
On approximately Sept. 7, 2018, the Issaquah Police Department was notified by the King County Medical Examiner that Mr. Leng died on Sept. 5, 2018. Upon receiving this information, the Issaquah Police Department immediately requested an outside agency to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances related to the incident. The King County Sheriff’s Office agreed to conduct the investigation.   
 
Our sympathies are with Mr. Leng’s family. Law enforcement is required to investigate all calls involving reported domestic violence. The officer responded to this incident under this obligation, and upon discovery that Mr. Leng had medical concerns summoned the necessary medical assistance.           
 
This incident is documented under Issaquah Police Department case #18-09645.