Police search for suspects in fatal West Seattle shooting

Early Saturday morning, Seattle Police Department (SPD) detectives launched an investigation into a fatal shooting in West Seattle.

At approximately 3:51 a.m., patrol officers responded to multiple reports of gunshots in the 1000 block of Harbor Avenue Southwest.

According to the department’s SPD Blotter, upon arrival, officers discovered a man, 22, lying in the roadway, suffering from a gunshot wound. After arriving on the scene, the Seattle Fire Department pronounced the victim dead.

In addition to the fatality, a nearby residence was struck by gunfire without causing harm to any occupants. Meanwhile, in Renton, another victim was found with a gunshot wound and transported to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition.

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The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear and are currently under investigation. Authorities are searching for multiple suspects who fled the scene and have not yet been apprehended. The SPD does believe drag racing may have been a factor.

“I am devastated and frustrated after a young man was shot and killed near Alki Beach early Saturday morning,” Seattle City Council member Rob Saka said. “I offer my condolences to the family of the victim. This violence is unacceptable, and all too often, it’s our community’s young people who are paying the price.”

The second victim, 27, turned up in Renton and was taken to Harborview Medical Center with a gunshot wound.

Saka says he plans to call a meeting with city leaders and residents to discuss violence in the area, particularly at night. He believes three city departments have roles to play.

“SPD, from an increased patrol perspective. Parks because it happened at the park and we need more park rangers and also the (Washington) Department of Transportation to do something about street racing,” Saka said.

If anyone has any information related to this incident, they are asked to contact the SPD Violent Crime Tip Line at (206) 233-5000 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Editors’ note: This story originally was published on Saturday, June 22, 2024. It has been updated and republished multiple times since then.

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

Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on X and email him here.