May 20, 2023
King County: A press release was sent out on May 18, 2023 detailing the 17th drive by shooting on the freeways in King County being investigated by the Washington State Patrol. It is alarming that I have to report there have been three more since that date which are detailed below.
Shooting #1 – At approximately 8:20pm on May 18, 2023, Washington State Patrol (WSP) communications receive a call from an individual stating that he was shot at and a bullet struck his vehicle and was requesting contact at his residence.
Upon contact the victim stated he was traveling WB SR 520 to SB I-405 when he changed lanes and another white vehicle changed lanes at the same time so he changed back. Words were exchanged and then the victim hears a loud bang. He looked back and observed the driver holding a gun but was unable to get a picture of the license plate. The victim described the suspect as a 40 to 50 year old hispanic male with dark hair and driving a white sedan of unknown make or model. The victim sustained no injuries but a bullet was located in the left passenger door of his vehicle depicted below. The victim was driving a 2019 Kia Stinger.
Shooting #2 – Washington State Patrol (WSP) communications received a call just after midnight on May 19, 2023 by a victim stating that his vehicle was shot at multiple times on southbound SR 599 near SR 99.
Once troopers arrived they were able to confirm that the victim’s vehicle was struck twice and thankfully no injuries were sustained. The victim was driving a 2018 Cadillac XTS and described the suspect vehicle as a red sedan occupied by three individuals and was unable to provide a make or model.
Troopers were able to recover 10 9mm casings in the area of the shooting.
Shooting #3 – This shooting occurred last night, May 19, 2023 just after 11pm SB SR 167 near SR 18. The victim advised they began to be followed by a black Dodge Charge or a white Toyota when two of their back windows were shot out. No injuries and the victim was not able to provide any other information on the suspect or suspect vehicle.
The Washington State Patrol is disturbed by all of the shootings and is thankful no injuries were sustained. Detectives are seeking anyone that may have witnessed these shootings or has information that can identify the vehicles or suspects. Please contact Detective Sergeant Moate at Stacy.Moate@wsp.wa.gov.
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