September 3, 2024
King County, Washington: A series of at least 6 freeway shootings along the I-5 corridor in King and Pierce Counties Labor Day evening has left 5 people injured and a suspect in custody. A seventh potential victim has come forward and is providing information. While the threat appears to be concluded, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) is adding additional patrols in the area to reassure the public and to deter any further dangerous behavior. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact WSP. (Contact: Detective Sergeev at Ivan.Sergeev@wsp.wa.gov)
A spasm of 3 shootings in rapid succession began just before 8:30 Monday night and another set of 3 just before 11:00. Shortly after midnight, the suspect and vehicle were located in Fircrest, WA and after a brief pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody without incident. Two shooting victims remain in area hospitals. Early investigation has found no links between the victims in what appears to be random acts of violence.
At approximately 8:26 pm September 2, 2024, Washington State Patrol communications received the first 9-1-1 call from a victim reporting that they were shot at NB I-5 near SR 18. They advised their passenger was struck and they were going to a fire station off the exit to S. 320th. Within minutes other calls came in and the pattern repeated itself starting again at 10:47 pm.
A synopsis of the shootings that were reported.
1. September 2, 2024 – 8:26pm NB I-5 and SR 18. White Volvo fired several rounds striking the passenger. Driver took 320th exit and contacted a fire station. Female passenger transported to Harborview. The victim is still hospitalized in critical condition.
2. September 2, 2024 – 8:42pm NB I-5 near MLK. Victim reported being shot at but had no description of suspect vehicle. A passenger sustained abrasions from broken glass. There was no medical treatment required.
3. September 2, 2024 – 8:43pm NB I-5 south of I-90. Victim reported being shot at by an unknown vehicle and sustained a grazing wound to the leg and transported to Harborview precautionary. The victim was later released.
4. September 2, 2024 – 10:57pm SB I-5 near SR 18. Victims reported being shot at by a white Volvo. Driver and passenger sustained non-life-threatening wounds to the legs and have since been released from the hospital.
5. September 2, 2024 – 10:58pm SB I-5 near S. 375th. Victim reported being shot at by a white Volvo. No injuries were reported but car windows were broken.
6. September 2, 2024 – 11:01pm SB I-5 near 54th in Pierce County. Victim reported being shot at by a white Volvo. The victim was struck in the neck and transported to and remains at Saint Joseph’s Medical Center.
Another potential victim called in today after seeing the news coverage and is now in contact with detectives advising he was around S. 320th around the time the other shootings. Once they were at their destination In Portland, OR, they realized their vehicle had sustained bullet hole damage.
“This is not acceptable. People have the right to travel safely in this state and we are going to protect that right. WSP is adding extra patrols along the I-5 corridor tonight to be highly visible and reassure the public we are determined to ensure the freeway is a safe place to travel,” stated Chief John R. Batiste. “I appreciate our partners in service in the Fircrest, University Place, Lakewood, Puyallup, and Tacoma Police Departments. They, along with the Pierce County Sherriff’s Office, played pivotal roles in the apprehension of a dangerous individual who seemed intent on doing grave harm.”
WSP detectives are looking for anyone that has additional information or may be a victim to email Detective Sergeev at Ivan.Sergeev@wsp.wa.gov. If you were in the are Monday evening and saw or heard anything suspicious, please reach out.
Chief Batiste added, “Speaking for all of us in law enforcement, the victims and their loved ones will remain in our thoughts as we hope and pray for full and speedy recoveries.”
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