CRIME BLOTTER

Man shot, woman pistol-whipped along Mountain to Sound Trail in Seattle

Sep 23, 2024, 8:46 PM | Updated: Sep 25, 2024, 6:04 pm

Image: A portion of the Mountain to Sound Greenway Trail, also known as the I-90 Trail, can be seen...

A portion of the Mountain to Sound Greenway Trail, also known as the I-90 Trail, can be seen in Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

(Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) says it has a 52-year-old suspect in custody after back-to-back, random and unprovoked assaults on the Mountain to Sound Greenway Trail, also known as the I-90 Trail, in the city’s Beacon Hill neighborhood.

It happened just after 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the top of the South Holgate Bridge.

“When police arrived, they found a 31-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso area. When they were doing that, they found another victim that had been assaulted by that same suspect,” SPD Officer Brian Pritchard said.

That 32-year-old woman was pistol-whipped and suffered minor injuries.

‘A very serious situation:’ WSP warns of ‘bump-jackings’

The SPD received several 911 calls and were quickly able to arrest the suspect. He is known to police and has a criminal record.

“Officers actually identified that suspect immediately. They had a description of him, and they had a name for him. So, they were able to get that information out quickly to our officers,” Pritchard said.

The SPD says the Mountain to Sound trail is typically busy – crowded with runners, walkers, and cyclists, especially on weekends. But some areas can be a little remote. Police urge all those who use the trail to use basic precautions.

“Always walk with somebody. Try not to walk alone if you can avoid it, and always be aware of your surroundings. Just beware of what’s going on around you at all times,” Pritchard said.

Crime blotter: More stories about the crimes committed in the Puget Sound region

The suspect has not yet been identified. He is expected to be charged with two counts of assault. So far, no motive for the attacks has been determined.

James Lynch is a reporter at KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of James’ stories here. Follow James on X, or email him here.

Crime Blotter

Suspect sentenced for repeated drug trafficking at Bellingham homeless encampment...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Gang member sentenced for repeated drug trafficking at Bellingham homeless encampment

Renton resident sentenced to four years for repeated drug trafficking fentanyl and meth at Bellingham homeless encampment.

13 hours ago

Woman's bludgeoning death sparks Federal Way homicide investigation...

James Lynch

Woman’s bludgeoning death sparks Federal Way homicide investigation

The Federal Way Police Department is investigating a homicide after a 59-year-old woman was found dead with severe head trauma at a residence.

16 hours ago

BSuspect arrested in organized golf store theft investigation in Bellevue...

James Lynch

Bellevue police arrest suspect in organized golf-store theft investigation

Bellevue police have arrested a 36-year-old man accused of taking merchandise from a golf retailer during an alleged theft with two accomplices.

18 hours ago

Seattle restaurant owner sentenced...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Everett man sentenced to 20 years for stabbing middle school student

An Everett man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Tuesday for stabbing a 13-year-old middle school student in North Everett in January 2025.

1 day ago

reward Lakewood (1)...

James Lynch

Reward increased to $50,000 in 2002 Lakewood murder case

The reward for information about the whereabouts of Liban Abdulkadir Sheikh has increased to $50,000.

2 days ago

King County Sheriff's Office investigates deadly Burien shooting...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

26-year-old man killed in Burien shooting; death ruled homicide

One person is dead after a shooting in Burien, and the King County Sheriff is investigating the incident near the 15300 block of First Avenue.

2 days ago

Man shot, woman pistol-whipped along Mountain to Sound Trail in Seattle