SEATTLE, Wash. — Newly released body-worn camera footage has provided additional context to a use-of-force incident involving two Seattle Police Department officers that gained national attention in 2024 after a bystander video showed officers striking a man at a South Seattle bus shelter.
The incident occurred on May 31, 2024, after officers responded to a disturbance involving a man who had reportedly been evicted from a nearby residence earlier that day.
According to investigative findings released by Seattle’s Office of Police Accountability (OPA), allegations of excessive force, de-escalation failures, and unprofessional conduct were sustained against Sergeant Nathan Patterson, while Officer Cody Alidon received a training referral and was ultimately cleared of misconduct related to the force used during the encounter.
Incident Background
According to investigative records, officers were dispatched after reports that an evicted individual confronted workers who were removing property from a residence.
The reporting party alleged that the man:
No injuries or property damage were reported.
Body-worn camera footage shows Sergeant Patterson and Officer Alidon escorting the man to a nearby bus shelter before informing him he would be placed in handcuffs.
Video reviewed by investigators shows the man verbally objecting to officers’ actions and asking them to stop being forceful.
Moments later, a physical struggle began.
Use of Force Captured on Video
Body-worn camera footage shows Sergeant Patterson taking the man to the ground while holding a baton.
During the ensuing struggle:
Investigators later reviewed the force under Seattle Police Department policy and OPA standards.
OPA Findings
The Office of Police Accountability sustained allegations that Sergeant Patterson violated department policies governing force, de-escalation, and professional conduct.
According to OPA findings, investigators determined that Patterson’s initial use of force was justified based on the circumstances officers faced at the beginning of the encounter.
However, investigators concluded that Patterson continued striking the man after he had already been forced onto his side and no longer presented the same level of resistance.
OPA investigators reportedly characterized Patterson’s explanation that the strikes were necessary to prevent the man from standing up as “speculative and illogical.”
The agency further concluded that both officers:
As a result, both officers received discipline in the form of a one-day suspension.
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Officer Alidon’s Role
OPA initially sustained allegations against Officer Alidon during the investigation.
However, those findings were later revised.
The agency ultimately determined that Alidon, who was serving as the junior officer during the incident, acted under the direction of his supervising sergeant and did not independently violate departmental force policies.
Instead of disciplinary findings, OPA issued a training referral.
Prior Public Scrutiny Involving Sergeant Patterson
Public records and prior reporting indicate that Sergeant Patterson has previously been the subject of complaints, lawsuits, and disciplinary reviews during his tenure with the department.
Court records show the City of Seattle has resolved multiple civil lawsuits involving allegations of excessive force in incidents where Patterson was named among the involved officers.
It is important to note that civil settlements do not constitute findings of criminal wrongdoing and are often resolved without admissions of liability.
Previous incidents involving Patterson have also generated media attention, including separate OPA investigations and disciplinary actions.
Current Status
The OPA investigation was completed in January 2026.
According to available records:
As of publication, the matter appears to have concluded through Seattle’s administrative accountability process.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the incident occur?
The encounter occurred on May 31, 2024, in South Seattle.
Why did officers respond?
Officers were dispatched following reports of a disturbance involving a recently evicted individual and workers removing property from a residence.
What did the body-worn camera footage show?
The footage captured the interaction leading up to the physical confrontation and documented the force used by responding officers.
What did the Office of Police Accountability conclude?
OPA found that Sergeant Patterson violated department policies related to force, de-escalation, and professional conduct. Officer Alidon received a training referral and was not found to have independently violated force policies.
What discipline was imposed?
According to investigative findings, both officers received one-day suspensions, while Alidon also received a training referral.
Need an Independent Review of a Police-Related Incident?
If you are a police officer, attorney, government agency, or citizen involved in a police-related incident and need an independent standards review, expert consultation, body camera analysis, or case evaluation, Cop Talk LIVE provides objective incident assessments based on training, policy, accepted police practices, and established legal standards.
Whether the issue involves use of force, officer conduct, citizen complaints, internal investigations, traffic stops, arrests, or critical incidents, each case is reviewed on its facts and evidence.
To request a confidential consultation or case review, visit https://coptalklive.org and submit your case through our intake form.
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