UPDATE: One man shot in West Seattle Junction, taken to hospital

(Added: Photo sent by Jason)

10:55 PM: SFD and SPD are responding to the 4800 block of Erskine Way for a report of a 20-year-old man with a gunshot wound. No other details yet.

11:03 PM: Police report being told this was the result of some kind of altercation/confrontation. The victim is being taken to the hospital.

11:12 PM: Police are looking for a suspect, described only, so far, as a “white male with a shaved head.”

11:27 PM: The Guardian One helicopter is assisting with the search.

11:42 PM: The search is ranging over a fairly wide area. Meantime, police are checking security video at the 7-11 to see if it has anything that’ll help.

11:54 PM: The victim was in serious condition when transported, SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB. He also says the victim is 32, which is a change from the original radio exchange describing him as 20.

1:08 PM THURSDAY: Our inquiry to SPD has been answered by this SPD Blotter post, but the only new info is that the suspect is still out there somewhere:

At approximately 10:45 PM, officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 4800 block of Erskine Way SW. When they arrived they found the victim in a parking lot, with a gunshot wound to his chest. Officers immediately performed first aid until they were relieved by the Seattle Fire Department medics, who transported the victim to Harborview Medical Center.

Officers interviewed witnesses at the scene who stated that it appeared that the victim and another man were in an argument just prior to the shooting. The suspect fled. A K-9 team responded and attempted a track, but the suspect was not located.

95 Replies to "UPDATE: One man shot in West Seattle Junction, taken to hospital"

  • ~Hockeywitch~ June 3, 2020 (10:56 pm)

    That explains nearly every cop in West Seattle flying down Morgan towards California… hope the victim will be ok and the shooter caught.

    • Jim June 3, 2020 (11:16 pm)

      The event occurred near or in the parking lot of the 7-11 at Erskine and CA. I live nearby and heard one loud bang.  I am no gun expert but it didn’t sound like a gunshot. Too loud and only one bang. Sounded more like a brick thrown through a window, but seems it was gunshot. Two fire engines, multiple police cars and an ambulance. No streets are blocked and traffic is moving OK, including buses, for now, but best to avoid that intersection if one can.

      • WSB June 3, 2020 (11:20 pm)

        Though early reports can sometimes be wrong – once there was a call there for someone who claimed to have been shot/stabbed but wasn’t – but in this case, police and fire have both reported definitively that the victim WAS shot..

        • Ms. A June 3, 2020 (11:32 pm)

          Is suspect on foot?  We live 2 blocks from area and helicopter is circling…

          • WSB June 3, 2020 (11:37 pm)

            They’re out looking.

  • Kevin D June 3, 2020 (11:01 pm)

    There are currently 4 cop cars and several ambulances all in the 7/11 parking lot.

  • Nobody June 3, 2020 (11:01 pm)

    Gotta love 7-11s.

  • JR June 3, 2020 (11:02 pm)

    Damn, things normally this violent in West Seattle?

    I mean a stabbing, now a shooting, plus wasnt there something at alki not that long ago, and then the walgreens shooting.

    • Wsresident June 4, 2020 (7:00 am)

      Yes, we have several shootings yearly. Last spring someone was shooting up the alley behind PV at 6:30 Pm broad daylight. Spring always seems to be an uptick of gun related crimes. A few years ago, someone was shot at 11am on a Sunday at Morgan and 35th. I had a drive by shootout on my street several years ago. 

    • Ihc June 4, 2020 (9:33 am)

      “Gotta love a 7/11”? That’s very over the top considering this location is not crazy. The person who shot the other person is the one to blame for making others feel unsafe in this neighborhood not 7/11. The folks that run that store don’t deserve their store’s reputation being tarnished. Folks we live in Seattle which is on the smaller side of being a large city but it is definitely a large city compared to say “Bellingham” ok. Theirs going to be some crime here and there. West Seattle is probably one of the safer areas in the city as a whole (yes I know there are safer areas but that’s why i said “one of the safer areas” ) just because an asshole shot someone in the parking lot doesn’t mean this is all of a sudden a bad area. Considering that there is so much stress in the air nation wide we should just be extra kind to each other and take care of each other and keep our neighborhood safe by not shooting people. Remember that stress effects your immune system and this is not the time for that. Take care everyone.

      • ws rez June 4, 2020 (10:07 am)

        i agree with you IHC! Don’t bash 711 just because something happened in proximity to it…. I love all of our 711 owners in West Seattle.

    • Mel June 4, 2020 (12:41 pm)

      I’m not sure what you mean by “normally this violent” – we’re part of a major city and there are idiots with guns out there. .Local blogs, social media, Nextdoor, etc., tend to amplify crime that in the pre-internet era (when there was more crime) you wouldn’t see unless it was big or they needed to fill space in the local newspaper. It’s good to know what’s going on, and for that we’re indebted to the WSB, but I’m not sure that mentally it’s good for people to see every bad thing that happens.

      • WSB June 4, 2020 (12:45 pm)

        Actually, they DON’T. We report a fraction of what actually happens. If you listen to police radio all day (as is part of my job) and/or watch the report numbers go by on Twitter – police respond to dozens of incidents daily, and we report a handful. Some days none. Either we didn’t get a reader report (and thanks to everyone who wants to keep neighbors informed) or didn’t hear a significant callout. And frankly, some of our work reassures people, we’re told … that the reason for the sirens in the distance is NOT necessarily some big deal.

  • MercyMoi June 3, 2020 (11:02 pm)

    I heard the gunshot, just one pop. First shouting, then a pop. I didn’t hear a car peel away.

    • Meesh June 3, 2020 (11:21 pm)

      Same. Just heard one pop.

    • Ed June 3, 2020 (11:27 pm)

      Same, I heard a pop (but didn’t sound like a gunshot) and didn’t hear any car peeling away and I live very close to the area.

  • Angelo June 3, 2020 (11:03 pm)

    From Seattle fire department radio chatter 20 year old male gsw meaning (gun shot wound) to the chest

  • Star Nayea June 3, 2020 (11:05 pm)

    I live off of California Ave SW. 11 police cars went whizzzing by! I pray there is a report as to what happened and let us know everyone is fine. 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

    • Meesh June 3, 2020 (11:36 pm)

      SPD said on Twitter that victim was taken by ambulance to Harborview Hospital.

      • Eddie June 4, 2020 (7:42 am)

        Glad the low bridge wasn’t jammed with cars so the emergency vehicle could get through.

  • Kevin D June 3, 2020 (11:16 pm)

    7/11 parking lot has been roped off by yellow police tape. Ambulance with police car behind it sped off.

  • EDV June 3, 2020 (11:23 pm)

    The scanner is on point. This guys getting caught. Police requested Guardian One to break away from protests. 

    More sirens buzzing north on 35th

  • Seaview neighbor June 3, 2020 (11:30 pm)

    Chopper over Seaview. Hope they find who they’re looking for and I’d love to hear more details about what happened.

    • WSB June 3, 2020 (11:42 pm)

      They’re still sorting out but as always (assuming there’s not an SPD Blotter post sooner) we’ll ask for the report first thing in the am.

  • trickycoolj June 3, 2020 (11:31 pm)

    Helicopter circling, news or KCSO?

    • WSB June 3, 2020 (11:39 pm)

      It’s G-1 as reported above. TV almost never flies past early evening (except NYE, 7/4, and very rarely circumstances such as Saturday’s downtown events).

  • MercyMoi June 3, 2020 (11:31 pm)

    If Guardian One is out, is the suspect likely on foot?

    • WSB June 3, 2020 (11:37 pm)

      No report of a vehicle.

      • Anonymous 2 June 3, 2020 (11:42 pm)

        I heard the single shot at 10:46pm, very distinct gunshot to my untrained ears. It was dead silent after, I didn’t hear a car speeding off or anything. My assumption is suspect is on foot? But just an assumption. 

  • Anonymous June 3, 2020 (11:32 pm)

  • Brian June 3, 2020 (11:34 pm)

    I live 3500 block and had a cop with lights on outside my house. I hear choppers over head now canvassing the area. Looks like shooter might be on foot and still on the run. Stay safe. 

  • Nick W June 3, 2020 (11:34 pm)

    Bless the WSB. Hear a helicopter and not sure what’s going on? Just visit the blog!

  • Fairmont neighbor June 3, 2020 (11:34 pm)

    Helicopter is circling over 38th and Hudson and I can hear the cops chirping their sirens as they search. 

  • West Seattle Mad Sci Guy June 3, 2020 (11:36 pm)

    While I don’t want anyone to be shot. I did take a moment to be glad it wasn’t one of the employees…

  • Jim June 3, 2020 (11:37 pm)

    I didn’t hear any car speed off, so I suspect that the shooter was on foot, and with so few people out on the streets, a young white guy with a shaved head might be found soon. Probably the two people in the altercation knew each other. Seems often the case. Helicopters circling overhead and will be for long time. So much for getting any sleep soon. Praying for all involved. Ugh!

  • B June 3, 2020 (11:38 pm)

    We were walking up California coming from Dawson towards Hudson with our dog when the cop cars first started racing by. A beat up old car (caddy maybe) with a white shaved head male was going towards Morgan junction. He pulled over as the cops passed which seemed odd to me so I took note. Oregon license plate i think and had a license plate number of something like “###-LEG“ . Also had a black and white pit bull mix in the back seat. Not sure if this is the right forum to post this, as it didn’t seem like enough to call in to the police 

    • WSB June 3, 2020 (11:57 pm)

      Please do call that in.

    • K June 4, 2020 (7:15 am)

      B- Please call in what you saw. The description of the one who fired was a “white male with a shaved head”. 

    • Alki resident June 4, 2020 (8:17 am)

      I seriously love how observant you are. I hope this is the right guy. If so, you are a hero. Wish more people would stop looking at their phones and be more observant. 

    • Kravitz June 4, 2020 (10:51 am)

      That vehicle was driving erratically behind me yesterday morning (06/02/20), and passed me on Sylvan Way near the cemetery. It was an older model Cadillac, silver or white in color with a top that was vinyl-like. The driver was white, wearing a green trucker hat and had a dark beard and mustache; two dogs in the back flying all over the backseat. I too, took note of the Oregon plate and definitely the ###-LEG. Not sure if it is involved, but if so I hope this helps. I think the number was 463, because I remember it rhyming with LEG. 

      • Seaview neighbor June 4, 2020 (2:21 pm)

        Please report to the SPD homicide tip line: 206-233-5000.

    • Seaview neighbor June 4, 2020 (2:20 pm)

      Please report to the SPD homicide tip line: 206-233-5000. A license plate state and three digits seems like valuable information.

  • Ètoile June 3, 2020 (11:41 pm)

    Missed that one by only a few mins tonight…yikes. Stay safe everyone. <3

  • Neighbor June 3, 2020 (11:44 pm)

    Hopped on here to see why I was hearing the helicopter above my house and the police car chirping down my street. Turns out it was a gunshot I heard earlier. I knew you’d have the answer. Thanks!

  • Acorn June 3, 2020 (11:44 pm)

    They have K9 assistance as well

  • wsearez June 3, 2020 (11:45 pm)

    Looked for this heli when I heard it fly overhead and saw it start circling, and came to WSB to figure out what was going on. On point as always. Hope they catch the perp quickly.

    Flight path:
    https://tar1090.adsbexchange.com/?icao=a4d8c9

  • Norman June 3, 2020 (11:47 pm)

    This is why we need police

    • Bryce June 3, 2020 (11:59 pm)

      Exactly. The SPD is crucial in these situations

    • Neighbor June 4, 2020 (12:11 am)

      No police is one thing, no police brutality is another….I think most would agree that police are needed 

      • WS Guy June 4, 2020 (3:44 am)

        You have not heard of the “defund the police” movement then? https://apple.news/AH0yJ2-2WRd-Ky4JoTx1HaA  

        • Melissa June 4, 2020 (11:15 am)

          Defund doesn’t mean unfund. We spend 1/3 of our city budget on police. The police have full tactical gear and the schools don’t have enough classrooms, chairs, or books. That’s obscene.

          • DH June 4, 2020 (12:12 pm)

            Raise that concern with SPS. The city does not fund schools. They are two different funding sources.

          • Melissa June 4, 2020 (3:55 pm)

            That’s incorrect, DH. You know those school levies? We pay taxes that fund the levies and the levies fund the schools. This comes up frequently in local elections. Do you vote in local elections? The SSD gets money from the feds, the state, and the city. It’s how we fund public schools in Washington State. It’s an incredibly unjust, unequal way to fund schools, but it’s what we do.

          • DH June 4, 2020 (7:30 pm)

            The city does NOT fund schools. Period. Yes SPS receives tax dollars as does the city. But the city absolutely does not fund schools.

          • Rick June 4, 2020 (10:54 pm)

            Yeah, that’s why they have “team building” retreats in tropical paradises.

      • AM June 4, 2020 (7:22 am)

        Yeah I think Black folks agree that police are required for community safety, just that they not murder Black folks indiscriminately, is all.

      • Zev June 4, 2020 (9:55 am)

        I support black lives matter WITHOUT the looting trust me a lot of other black folks don’t like that sh-t either and are honestly embarrassed by it and its making the movement look sooo bad! Those people that break store fronts and steal are not people I would consider positive pillars of the movement. And are just trolls that are looking to cause trouble. There really are folks who just want justice without all the violence, stealing and distraction. However I would agree that we do need police. It would be insane to have no emergency responders. We just need ones that don’t choke you to death. But me personally( not speaking for others) as a black person I have interacted with some very nice cops and I truly don’t believe they are all bad. I got attacked in downtown Seattle a while ago and was in shock and had no one to pick me up to take me home and the officer that saw me getting attacked made sure I got a ride home and was safe and even did a follow up call a few days later to see how I was doing. And I was beyond grateful. That is  how I want envision the cops. I want to feel safe when I see cops not nervous.That being Said I have definitely had positive interactions with cops and I do not believe they are all bad.

    • Carrie June 4, 2020 (6:33 am)

      Was the need for a police force in general ever in doubt?

    • JES June 4, 2020 (6:37 am)

      The Defund SPD protest was about cutting police budget (almost $400m) by half and putting that money to community services. See more here: tinyurl.com/defundspd https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLx0UBq_-FmE6YQPgG2aGSmNOI7_LCjpGiNGH4HSq2nWpGSA/viewform

    • heartless June 4, 2020 (8:18 am)

      Why?  What did they do?

      I’m not one for wanting to eliminate police in this country, but if you’re looking for an example of police being necessary this seems like an odd example.  Maybe wait until they catch the shooter, then laud them?

    • LJ June 4, 2020 (10:50 am)

      Norman, I don’t think many people are arguing for NO police. They’re asking for our society to take a hard look at what role police should play, and which roles they should NOT play. Defunding police and using that money for other social purposes can actually benefit police as well. If you’re interested in learning more, this ebook is free at the moment: https://www.versobooks.com/books/2426-the-end-of-policing

  • Star June 3, 2020 (11:49 pm)

    God please let the police catch this shooter!Hey Thank You WSB and the officers and airmen our looking! Stay safe community!!

  • Bert June 3, 2020 (11:49 pm)

    Check that little park by qfc. 

    • WSB June 3, 2020 (11:52 pm)

      Please call 911 with any tips.

    • ClusterFPark June 4, 2020 (11:49 am)

      The park by QFC is a cluster——There is greater drug use and prostitution happening in the QFC parklet since the port-o-potties went in. I’m not a pearl-clutching grandma. I know what I have seen and heard as I have to walk by this park a few times a day. Don’t believe me? It’s pretty consistent since it’s usually the same folks, so go stand across the street for a few minutes and check it out for yourself. They know folks are watching and they really do no care. Thanks City of Seattle for making that sad park even worse. If they really cared how these facilities were being used they’d keep an eye on them themselves but they just dumped them here and now it’s our problem. 

  • Beth June 3, 2020 (11:49 pm)

    Thanks for the rapid reporting WSB! I heard the 7/11 was actually going to end up being condos/apartments soon. Is this accurate?

  • Star June 3, 2020 (11:51 pm)

    Praying for the police catch this shooter! Thank You WSB and the officers and eyes in the sky. Stay safe community!!

  • M June 4, 2020 (12:05 am)

    Any updates on suspect?

  • pilsner June 4, 2020 (12:26 am)

    I’m going to self quarantine for another 6 months. Bye.

    • Bill June 4, 2020 (4:10 pm)

      Aha — a voice of reason!

  • WTF June 4, 2020 (2:55 am)

    Can’t solve problems without shooting someone. Pathetic.

  • ScubaFrog June 4, 2020 (3:04 am)

    I’ve always been quite impressed with the SW Precinct.  Captain Pierre Davis has nurtured a professional and class of officers unrivaled in the SPD (in my humble opinion).  We’re very lucky here.  And wholly agree that we need a police force, just not police brutality, nationally. I do so hope that the perpetrator is caught.  Obviously I similarly hope the victim recovers fully.  

    • heartless June 4, 2020 (2:01 pm)

      Well said, Scuba.  I second this.

  • Waeattleite June 4, 2020 (4:26 am)

    All those COVID 19 masks are going to limit any information obtained through security footage. Great times to be a criminal.   

  • BD June 4, 2020 (6:31 am)

    Can people check their ring cameras for activity? 

  • Sarah June 4, 2020 (6:37 am)

    Any updates on the victim? 

    • WSB June 4, 2020 (10:49 am)

      I don’t have the victim’s name so I can’t ask the hospital – perhaps someone who knows him will read this and update us all.

  • woke up June 4, 2020 (9:02 am)

    Did the suspect search take them in the vicinity of Seola Beach Drive or Arbor Heights area ?  There was a very loud explosion/ firework/ shotgun noise ? at 4:15 am

    • Bradley June 4, 2020 (9:05 pm)

      It definitely wasn’t any sort of firearm. It was an explosion large enough to shake our Arbor Heights house, and we have a full slab foundation. My first guess was a large pipe bomb, propane tank explosion, or extremely large aerial firework.

  • N June 4, 2020 (9:54 am)

    Re: Most would agree that police are needed.  According to quotes in the Seattle times advocates have asked the Mayor for the Police Department to be defunding by 50%.  This is on the heels of a department that has staffing levels at 1970 levels with a population that has certainly increased.  

  • Rachal June 4, 2020 (10:11 am)

    Any updates on the shooter and the victim? Hope they caught him!

    • WSB June 4, 2020 (10:44 am)

      I have an inquiry in with police and will add any info I get. Nothing official from them aside from the one tweet last night acknowledging that they were investigating a shooting.

      • Rachal June 4, 2020 (11:06 am)

        Thanks for your response :) and of course, thank you for being so quick to post news! 

      • woke up June 4, 2020 (3:09 pm)

        Still no updates on the victim?  There are multiple comments recommending people call in tips to the ‘homicide’ line- does that mean this was a homicide?

        • WSB June 4, 2020 (4:09 pm)

          Homicide investigates non-fatal cases too. The victim was not described as being in life-threatening condition when transported. However, that’s where the trail of info ends, unless we hear from friends/family – can’t ask the hospital without the victim’s name.

          • Anonymous June 4, 2020 (7:14 pm)

            The victim is in ICU and will survive by the grace of god. I will probably be setting up a GoFundMe for him and his gf as they are both self-employed and she will undoubtedly need to take care of him when he comes home from the hospital which probably won’t be until Monday. Please send prayers that he heals fast. 

  • Tapatio June 4, 2020 (2:45 pm)

    How do you become such a broken person that you shoot people over petty stuff?

  • Bradley June 4, 2020 (3:43 pm)

    We need to double the size of our Seattle Police Department. If we didn’t have a SEVERE shortage of police officers in Seattle, this violent criminal would likely be in custody a long time ago.

  • Beth June 6, 2020 (10:02 pm)

    Any updates on this? Did the shooter get caught?

    • WSB June 7, 2020 (2:27 am)

      Nothing new since the day-after update above.

  • Ashley June 9, 2020 (7:33 am)

    https://gf.me/u/x7xdcg I know times are tough right now for all, but my neighbor was shot point blank range outside of the 7-11 on Wednesday evening by some random guy (who still hasn’t been found) My neighbor is self employed and will need at least 3 weeks to heal from his serious injury. And he will undoubtedly have a lot of medical bills. Anything helps or share if you can please!

  • Elia June 14, 2020 (7:36 pm)

    Maybe you should remove the part about the “white male with a shaved head,” WSB. https://q13fox.com/2020/06/12/police-looking-for-suspect-who-shot-someone-after-argument-outside-west-seattle-convenience-store/

Sorry, comment time is over.