KIRO Radio staff

Andy James, from the Ye Olde Curiosity shop in Seattle, says the victim of the officer-involved shooting in Seattle was a gifted totem pole carver.

James told KIRO Radio' s Ron & Don that John T. Williams, the man shot by a Seattle police officer, had been selling his crafts to the shop for years.

"His family has been carving and selling things to our store for probably 100 years," says James. "He carved some pretty incredible things for us."

The officer involved in the shooting reportedly saw Williams crossing the street with a knife and a wooden board.

James said he thought it was likely common for Williams to be carrying a knife.

James says while Williams was a great talent, his work was sometimes complicated by a drinking problem.

"I know he did have a drinking problem for awhile and that's always kind of sad because he had so much talent."

Seattle Police Chief John Diaz is asking for more witnesses to come forward to help in the investigation.

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