The Seattle Police officer (or officers) responsible for leaving an unattended semi-automatic rifle on the trunk of their patrol car in downtown Seattle could face "verbal counseling, a written reprimand, a day off, any number of things" if they're found to have violated SPD policy, explained Seattle Police Sergeant Sean Whitcomb this afternoon. "Ultimately, the decision will be up to West Precinct Captain [Joe] Kessler."

The department is still unwilling to release the name of the officer involved, details on how the AR-15 rifle came to be sitting on the trunk of the patrol car, or how long it was left unattended. Whitcomb was also unable to confirm that the rifle belonged to the patrol car driver or another officer, saying only, "We know exactly whose rifle it is."

"This is a specialized piece of equipment who get assigned to people who are selected for it and attend very specific training." SPD officers typically have to pass three days of training in order to carry the weapon, with an additional two days of annual tactical training. "It's like having a taser," Whitcomb says. "It's a privilege to carry."

SPD also isn't confirming that the patrol car was driven around with the assault rifle on the trunk of the car, as I previously reported. "It’s certainly a possibility that has been looked into," Whitcomb says. Apparently, the second witness—another pedestrian—followed the patrol car driver to say, 'excuse me but there’s an unattended weapon on the back of your car.' Which would explain why slog tipper Nick, who sent in the above pic, reported seeing the weapon left unattended.

Regardless, SPD is really, really sorry it happened, you guys. "The fact that it happened, there’s no excuse for it," Whitcomb says. "It was careless."