WASHINGTON COALITION FOR POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY RESPONDS TO DEADLY VPD SHOOTING IN VANCOUVER

Vancouver, WA — The Washington Coalition for Police Accountability (WCPA) expresses deep concern and sorrow following the fatal police shooting of Mr. Perry J. Sellars, a 44-year-old man, by officers with the Vancouver Police Department on the night of December 28, 2025.

According to published reports, officers responded to a disturbance call involving a reportedly armed individual. While the circumstances of the encounter remain under investigation, the loss of life is tragic and devastating for the family, loved ones, and impacted community.

WCPA affirms that de-escalation must be the foundation of every law enforcement response whenever possible. Officers are trained in strategies such as time, distance, cover, verbal engagement, and crisis intervention to slow encounters and reduce the likelihood of lethal outcomes. When these tools are not fully or consistently applied, the risk of irreversible harm increases—for civilians, families, and communities alike.

“De-escalation training is needed, and it would have prevented this death,” said Shelly Washington, aunt of Kevin Peterson Jr. “When officers are trained and required to slow situations down, create distance, and communicate before using force, lives are saved. What happened here shows exactly why de-escalation must be practiced—not just taught.”

WCPA stands in unwavering solidarity with the family and community affected by this killing. The Coalition stands in solidarity with the family and community affected by this killing. We will remain available to Mr. Perry's family and friends to provide support. This cycle of violence between law enforcement and civilians erodes public trust and deepens community trauma. We urge state and local leaders, particularly the Legislature, to implement robust accountability measures and empower the civilian review board with subpoena power and independent investigative authority.

This incident underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms that move beyond policy language and into consistent practice. De-escalation must be enforced, measured, and treated as a non-negotiable standard—not a discretionary choice.