The Seattle Police Department reported that two people are dead after officers responded to reports of gunshot victims across six blocks of Belltown.
SEATTLE — Homicide detectives are investigating Sunday after police say two incidents of gun violence erupted in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood during the early hours of the morning, leaving two dead and three injured.
The Seattle Police Department responded to reports of gunshot victims across six blocks of Belltown, spanning from the 300 block of Denny Way and Clay Street to Third Avenue and Blanchard Street.
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Police told KING 5 later Sunday that the incidents were not connected to each other despite the proximity of the shootings, which were close in terms of both distance and time. Police also confirmed that “street racing” was taking place near the shootings, but was also not connected.
According to Detective Brian Pritchard, officers responded to the first incident just after midnight, when the department received reports of gunshot victims near the intersection of Denny Wy. and Clay St., just south of Seattle Center.
Medics transported two men to Harborview Medical Center, one in serious condition and the other in critical condition. The man transported in critical condition later died. Pritchard also wrote that two additional gunshot victims walked into HMC for treatment.
Investigators say an altercation involving three individuals occurred “on the street shortly before the shooting.”
About two hours later and roughly six blocks away, Seattle police investigated a shooting at Third Avenue and Blanchard Street that left a woman with a gunshot wound to the head.
A police spokesperson told KING 5 that officers responded to reports of a shooting near the intersection shortly before 2 a.m., finding a woman inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and torso. Despite aid, she later died at HMC.
Investigators determined that the woman was sitting in a parked vehicle when the suspect approached alongside and fired several shots, striking her. Police confirmed the suspect is not in custody.
An investigation led by homicide detectives is ongoing.
“We will stand together with our community to bring justice to these victims and their loved ones. The Seattle Police Department is working around the clock to investigate these incidents. We will work tirelessly with our partners to find lasting solutions,” said Seattle Police Department Interim Chief Andre Sayles in a statement.
Council Member Bob Kettle also addressed the incidents in a statement.
“The latest gun violence incidents occurring overnight in Belltown again demonstrates the need to bring together all public safety elements to bear in support of our beleaguered neighborhoods,” Kettle wrote. “I thank SPD’s West Precinct and the Real Time Crime Center for their work but we, as a city, need to do more to tackle gun violence. We must do more. I commit to continue to explore solutions and demand accountability.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
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