509 task force releases sketch of potential shooting suspect
Mar 14, 2019, 3:44 PM
Sketch of potential suspect in 509 shootings. (Washington State Patrol)
(Washington State Patrol)
A task force to investigate a series of shootings along SR 509 in the Burien-SeaTac area has released a sketch of a potential suspect.
The task force was assembled in January, a couple weeks after a boy traveling in a car was shot in the head and blinded.
Results from the Washington State Crime Lab indicate that a single firearm was used in several shootings in the area. The task force believes more shootings could be linked to the same firearm. Additional testing is underway.
Most recently, the firearm is linked to a drive-by shooting at S. 240th Pl in Des Moines where a .40 caliber bullet was recovered on Dec. 18. A .40 caliber bullet was also recovered on SR 509 at the First Ave. South Bridge on Dec. 20. A building on 7171 W. Marginal Way is also believed to have been struck during the same shooting.
Police believe the man in the provided sketch “may have been in the vicinity of some of these shootings,” officials said. They believe he may have been driving a red or maroon SUV (make and model unknown). People are asked to call the task force at (425) 401-7880 or email SR509shootingtip@wsp.wa.gov with any information.
Prior to the First Ave. South Bridge shooting, the most notable incident was in June 2018 when four cars were struck on southbound SR 509 near Des Moines Memorial Drive. The highway was shut down for hours while officers searched for a shooter. No injuries were reported and no suspect was found.
Police said they are investigating 11 random shootings reported in the area in the past several months.
The task force investigating includes the Washington State Patrol, King County Sheriff’s Office, Des Moines and Port of Seattle police departments. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting.
Additional reporting provided by KIRO 7 TV.
