Teen suspect behind bars following Renton shooting, man in critical condition
Feb 26, 2025, 4:13 PM | Updated: 4:23 pm
The scene after a shooting in Renton on Fe. 26, 2025. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
A man is currently in critical condition after he was shot Tuesday afternoon outside the Renton Transit Center.
The shooting occurred just after 4:30 p.m. on Burnett Ave South in Renton. According to the Renton Police Department, one man pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the abdomen. The suspect fled the scene, hopping onto a King County Metro Bus.
The suspect traveled approximately a mile north before the bus driver was notified. The driver stopped the bus, causing the suspect to flee on foot once more before he was apprehended by police.
Renton police officers also found the gun allegedly used in the shooting during the arrest.
Suspect in Renton shooting appears in court
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO) asked for the 17-year-old to be held in juvenile detention, to which the court ordered him held after hearing from the prosecutors and defense, as reported by KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney in an email to MyNorthwest.
McNerthney stated the court found probable cause for assault in the first degree and unlawful possession of a firearm. However, McNerthney noted the first appearance hearing is not the same as a referral for a charging decision.
“Prosecutors anticipate getting a case referral from police investigators for a charging decision by the late afternoon of Friday, Feb. 28,” McNerthney wrote. “This is still an active investigation with the King County Sheriff’s Office.”
The next update is anticipated Friday.
More on MyNorthwest: King County man found with drug lab, explosives in RV near state park headed to prison
Crime’s impact on public transportation
While residents of Renton are grateful for the arrest, the suspect bringing a weapon onto public transportation has put the whole community on edge.
“It’s stressful to come to work every day and not knowing whether you’re going to be involved with one of these,” Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587 President Greg Woodfill told KIRO 7. “I’m very concerned about the mental health of our operators. Having said that, we’re fighting for the passengers too.”
Related on MyNorthwest: Suspect in stabbing death of Metro bus driver in Seattle charged with murder
Contributing: KIRO 7; Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest
This is a developing story, check back for updates
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