Seattle police officer charged with sexually assaulting 3 co-workers



SEATTLE – A Seattle police officer has been charged with sexual assault after complaints from two fellow officers and a civilian co-worker.

Officer John Knight, a veteran officer who works in the field-training unit, is facing three charges of fourth-degree assault for the purpose of sexual gratification, and has been suspended without pay.

One female officer, one male officer and one female temporary civilian employee accused Knight of groping them many times over a long period of time. One woman claimed he grabbed her breasts and bottom and “dry humped” her in public; the other said he grabbed her bottom around 40 times; and the man said Knight grabbed his bottom and crotch several times.

The male officer said he once saw Knight grab a female’s bottom and say “what can I say – I’m a predator.”

Police said there are previous Equal Opportunity Employment complaints against Knight dating back to 2009, and are asking any other employees who had similar experiences with him to come forward.

According to The Associated Press, Knight's attorney, Erik Makus, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, but urged people to avoid rushing to judgment, saying, "There's a lot more to this than what's in the probable cause statement."

Knight is not in police custody, and is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 20.