Full Breakdown
Bellevue Police Officer Stabbing Incident
12/16/2025, 11:17:52 PM
Incident Overview
On December 12, 2023, Mohamed Morray Bangura, a 38-year-old man, was charged with first-degree assault and second-degree assault following an incident at the Bellevue Transit Center in Washington. Bangura allegedly made a false 911 call to lure police officers to the scene, where he subsequently stabbed Officer Sean Winebrenner and attempted to stab Officer Guilherme Spagnolo. The incident escalated when Officer Spagnolo shot Bangura in response to the attack.
Details of the Attack
According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO), Bangura's actions were premeditated. He reportedly fabricated a domestic violence scenario to prompt a police response. Upon the officers' arrival, Bangura allegedly pulled a kitchen knife from his jacket and attacked Officer Winebrenner, inflicting multiple stab wounds, including a 6-inch laceration to the face, and injuries to the back and shoulders. Officer Spagnolo managed to evade the initial attack but subsequently shot Bangura three times in the arm, leg, and hip. Both Bangura and Officer Winebrenner were transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment, with Officer Winebrenner later discharged.
Background Context
Bangura had previous interactions with Bellevue police, including a September 30 incident where he was found sleeping on church property and threatened a security guard. Following this encounter, he expressed a desire to file a complaint against a Bellevue officer, which he did the day before the stabbing incident. Prosecutors suggest that Bangura's animosity towards the police may have motivated his actions during the attack.
Legal Proceedings
Bangura faces serious charges, including first-degree assault with a deadly weapon enhancement and second-degree assault. The KCPAO has requested a bail amount of $5 million, citing concerns that Bangura may pose a risk of reoffending if released. His arraignment is scheduled for December 18, 2023.
Criticism & Opposition
Some community members have expressed concern regarding the circumstances leading to the incident, particularly the effectiveness of police response protocols to mental health crises. Critics argue that the situation highlights a need for improved mental health resources and intervention strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Official Statements
The KCPAO emphasized the severity of the attack, noting the life-altering potential of injuries sustained from stabbings in sensitive areas such as the face and neck. They stated, “Anytime you get stabbed in the face, it’s life-changing,” underscoring the gravity of the situation for Officer Winebrenner.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Instead of letting that complaint process play out, he chose to arm himself with a knife and assault two other innocent, unwitting officers who thought they were responding to a call of domestic violence,” — King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
- “Anytime that you stab somebody around the face or the neck, you’re really too close for comfort to your carotid artery and to your eyes,” — Casey McNerthney, KCPAO Spokesperson
What's Next
The upcoming arraignment on December 18 will determine the next steps in the legal proceedings against Bangura. The case is likely to draw attention to issues surrounding police interactions with individuals experiencing mental health crises.
