Case Number: OII- 2025-0002
Olympia, Wash. (July 10, 2025) – The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII) is just past 60 days into its investigation of a use of deadly force incident that occurred in Poulsbo, Wash. on May 7, 2025. By statute, OII is directed to complete its investigations within 120 days or report the reason for the delay to the OII Advisory Board.
The incident occurred after officers with the Poulsbo Police Department stopped a car with the assistance of Kitsap County Sheriff’s deputies. The agencies reported that the driver of the car, later identified as Justin L. Moegling, was allegedly armed with a knife and did not follow the directions of the officers attempting to arrest him.
During the encounter, Poulsbo Police Officer Nickolas Brown and Kitsap County Sheriff’s Deputy Wyatt Galbreath each discharged their firearms. The Kitsap County Medical Examiner’s Office has previously reported that the cause of death to Mr. Moegling was gunshot wounds to the head.
OII investigators recovered a knife from the scene and took custody of the officers’ firearms, all of which are currently undergoing testing.
OII investigators have also conducted several interviews including witnesses, family members, involved officers, as well as Poulsbo Fire Department and medical aid personnel. Along with interviews, OII investigators are in the process of obtaining and reviewing about 62 videos including footage from body-worn cameras, in-car cameras and security cameras from the areas in which the incident occurred. As part of the investigation, a tip line was also established to receive information from the public. One call was received on the tip line.
An OII family liaison has been in communication with Mr. Moegling’s family to keep them informed of the progress of the investigation. The family liaison role serves as a point of contact with impacted family members throughout the OII investigation and can connect family members to any needed and available community resources.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. Once completed, a Final Case Report will be posted to the OII website. No further updates are anticipated until the Final Case Report is completed.
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The Washington State Legislature created OII in 2021 to conduct independent and unbiased investigations of deadly use of force by law enforcement. It works with an 11-member advisory board that reviews and provides input on agency policies. To view this on the web, visit oii.wa.gov/news-and-updates.
For media inquiries, contact Kimberly Garcia, Media Relations Coordinator, at kimberly.garcia@oii.wa.gov or 360-790-1247.