January 26, 2020
Seattle – January 25, 2020 at approximately 9:30 pm Washington State Patrol Vessel and Terminal Security Troopers responded to the MV Kaleetan upon its arrival at Colman Dock. Washington State Ferry Crew had secured a male that had discharged his firearm into the open waters of the Puget Sound. The 38-year-old male had boarded the vessel by vehicle leaving Bremerton. At some point during the sailing the male walked to the edge of the car deck and discharged his revolver into the water. WSF crew quickly separated the male from the firearm and called for WSP assistance. The shot was not specifically directed at anyone or anything.
Troopers contacted the suspect and subsequently placed him in custody. Troopers recovered a firearm and a spent casing which were secured as evidence. The King County resident was booked into the King County Jail for unlawfully aiming or discharging a firearm, RCW 9.41.230.
Not long after this incident, District 8 Troopers working in Kitsap County responded to the Southworth Ferry Terminal at the request of WSF staff for an unresponsive male in a vehicle aboard the MV Issaquah. Troopers contacted the male on the vessel and subsequently placed him in custody for DUI.
These incidents highlight the exceptional partnership between the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Ferry System working together to ensure passenger safety. Continued vigilance is necessary in order to continue the safe sailing of all WSF vessels. Please remember; If you see something, say something.
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