Shooting leaves 70+ shell casings on Alki, no reported injuries

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is investigating a massive shooting near Alki Beach that left a condo and a parked van riddled with bullets but, remarkably, no reported injuries.

SPD Sergeant Patrick Michaud said officers were called just after 3 a.m. Friday to the 1100 block of Alki Avenue SW in West Seattle near Hamilton Viewpoint Park after reports of gunfire.

Witnesses initially told officers they heard about a dozen shots. But when police examined the area more closely, they discovered the scene was far more serious.

“They said there were 12 shots fired. When officers went to take a closer look, they found that over 71 shots had been fired,” Michaud said. “We recovered shell casings for each one of those rounds.”

Shell casings were found across the area, and investigators determined multiple rounds struck nearby property, including a van parked across the street and a nearby condo.

“It appears that multiple things had been damaged, but nobody reported being injured,” Michaud said. “All of these things sustained bullet damage, but thankfully nobody was injured.”

Possible red Honda seen leaving

Witnesses reported seeing at least two individuals shooting back and forth at each other. They also described a car speeding away from the scene.

The only vehicle description police have so far is a possible red Honda, last seen heading north on Alki.

“It’s unknown if that vehicle was actually involved or if they were just trying to get away from the shooting because the witnesses justifiably took cover and started running away,” he said.

Police urge public to call 911 for any gunfire

Michaud stressed that anyone who hears gunshots, whether a single round or dozens, should immediately call 911 and prioritize their own safety.

“If you do hear any gunshots, a single gunshot, multiple gunshots, 12 gunshots, 71 gunshots, give us a call. We’re going to come out and take a look,” Michaud said. “If somebody is actively shooting at each other, please take cover, because we want you to be safe. That is our first priority.”

He added that anyone who is hurt in a shooting should contact authorities right away.

“If you do get injured, give us a call. We’ll absolutely come out and make sure you get the medical aid you need. Again, that’s our first priority, is making sure that you’re well taken care of,” Michaud said.

SPD asks for tips, anonymous calls welcome

Detectives are now working to determine who was involved in the shootout and what led up to it. Michaud is asking anyone with information, including video, photos, or details about possible suspects or vehicles,  to come forward.

“If anybody has any information, feel free to give us a call… If you know who may have been shooting out there, that’s always important. But if you want to remain anonymous, it’s more than welcome,” he said.

Police are still processing evidence from the more than 71 rounds fired and are asking residents and businesses in the Alki area to review any overnight security footage from around 3:05 a.m. Friday for anything that might help the investigation.

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