Gold Bar man detained for alleged shooting over phone theft
Dec 27, 2024, 1:35 PM | Updated: 8:52 pm

Bryan Waltner was arrested after a Christmas Day shooting in Gold Bar. At left is a photo of Waltner before he was arrested. At right is a photo of Waltner in handcuffs before he was taken into custody. (Photos provided by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office)
(Photos provided by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office)
After more than a day-long search, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has taken a 58-year-old man accused of shooting another man on Christmas Day in Gold Bar into custody.
Bryan Waltner is accused of shooting an acquaintance, reported (SCSO) deputies Wednesday. On Friday, The Everett Herald reported the dispute started when the acquaintance allegedly accused Waltner of stealing his phone. Waltner allegedly responded by shooting the man.
Waltner was taken into custody Monday evening on charges of first-degree assault and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, according to a Facebook post from the agency. The new post shows Waltner in handcuffs as well.
More crime: Seattle police arrest man accused of stabbing customer
An earlier SCSO Facebook post explained East County deputies responded to a shooting around 1:40 a.m. in the 100 block of Croft Avenue in Gold Bar Wednesday.
Waltner allegedly shot the 48-year-old man during a verbal argument and then left the scene on foot. The wounded man was transported to Providence, deputies reported.
“This appears to be an isolated incident between two acquaintances,” the Facebook post added.
Other news: Suspect in stabbing death of Metro bus driver in Seattle charged with murder
According to The Everett Herald, citing police, Waltner has two felony convictions for malicious mischief and burglary in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
While Waltner is in custody, it is still recommended that anyone with information about this case call the sheriff’s office tip line at 425-388-3845. The sheriff’s office also noted this is an active investigation.
This story was originally published on December 26, 2024. It has been updated and republished since then.
Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.
Steve Coogan is the lead editor of MyNorthwest. You can read more of his stories here. Follow Steve on X, or email him here.