Date of Offense
Official Statement
Seattle Police Sergeant Nathan Patterson has been involved in multiple incidents that have led to investigations and disciplinary actions. One notable incident occurred on May 31, 2024, when Patterson and Officer Cody Alidon responded to a disturbance in South Seattle. Bodycam footage revealed that the officers used significant force against a man at a bus shelter, with Patterson striking the individual nearly 20 times with a baton. The Office of Police Accountability (OPA) sustained allegations against Patterson for violating use of force and de-escalation policies.
In a separate incident from July 31, 2020, Patterson's bodycam recorded him making a racially insensitive comment, stating, "Gotta hit those people of color the hardest." The OPA investigated this remark but issued "inconclusive" findings on the bias allegations, citing the elevated standard of review required under the police association’s contract.
Throughout his career, Patterson has been named in multiple lawsuits alleging excessive force, resulting in over $1 million in settlements paid by the city.
