The involved VPD officers are Sgt. Jay Alie and officers Sammy Abdala and Sean Suarez
VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Police Department (VBD) has released the names of the three officers who fired their guns in the officer-involved shooting April 28 that took the life of 50-year-old Vancouver resident William Abbe
The involved VPD officers are Sgt. Jay Alie and officers Sammy Abdala and Sean Suarez.
Deputies from the VPD responded to a report of a physical fight between Abbe and another man on April 28 in the area of NE Stapleton Rd. and E. Fourth Plain Blvd. When officers arrived, they located one male unconscious on the ground. According to police reports, the other male (Abbe) refused police commands to drop sharpened objects he was holding. Three VPD officers then fired at Abbe.
The victim of Abbe’s assault has been released from the hospital, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). The victim had been reported to have been knocked unconscious by Abbe and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Law enforcement has not identified the victim. The officer-involved shooting investigation is ongoing.
Sgt. Alie, 53, was hired by the VPD in January 1997. He has held assignments as a detective in the Violent Crimes Unit and as an officer in Patrol. He was promoted to sergeant in February 2008. He has been assigned as a sergeant to the West Precinct Neighborhood Response Team and in patrol. He is currently assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau.
Officer Abdala, 52, was hired by the VPD in December 2001. He previously worked for the Santa Ana, New Mexico Police Department from February 2000 to December 2001. Officer Abdala has been assigned to patrol, as a detective in the Backgrounds Unit, and as a neighborhood police officer. He is currently assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau.
Officer Suarez, 36, was hired by the VPD in January 2015. He previously worked as a corrections officer for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office from October 2007 to January 2015. He has been assigned in patrol and the bike unit. He is currently assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau.
Following standard department protocol, the three officers are on critical incident leave.
Detectives are requesting any individuals who were involved in this incident or filmed part of this incident and have not yet talked to detectives to call the CCSO MCU Tip line at 1-877-CRIME11 or (564) 397-2210.
This investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the Clark County Regional Independent Investigation Team.
No further information at this time.
Information provided by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
