January 2, 2024
SOUTH HILL, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is seeking witnesses of a shooting that occurred on southbound State Route 161 (Meridian Avenue) near 176th Street East on New Years Day.
A 16-year-old female driver was driving eastbound on 176th Street just after 6 p.m. Monday in a black 2001 Lexus Sedan with an 18-year-old male front seat passenger. A road rage incident between them and another unknown vehicle ensued as they were passing 78th Avenue.
As the two vehicles approached Meridian Ave., an occupant from the unknown vehicle threw an unknown object at the Lexus. Both cars turned southbound onto Meridian Avenue. As the driver of the Lexus tried to accelerate away, a single shot was fired in their direction from the unknown vehicle. The bullet entered through the rear windshield, passing through the passenger side headrests and struck the male passenger in the back of the head. After the shooting, the unknown vehicle fled the scene, and the driver of the Lexus pulled into a nearby business parking lot.
Thankfully, the bullet did not penetrate deeper than the skin and the passenger’s injuries are not life-threatening.
At this time investigators have no accurate description of the suspect(s) or the vehicle they were driving.
Anyone who may have been in the area and witnessed any part of this incident is asked to contact WSP Detective Travis Calton at (360) 918-4032.
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