Ongoing coverage: ‘Lone suspect in murders’ shoots himself in West Seattle as police move in

(TOPLINE SUMMARY: Police say the shootings that killed 4 on Roosevelt in North Seattle and 1 at 8th/Seneca are linked; they happened in the 11 am hour. Around noon, a black Mercedes SUV linked to the latter was found in 4100 block of Delridge. Searches ensued. Then the suspect turned up in 37th/Raymond area; as police moved in, they say, he shot himself.)

12:05 PM: According to the scanner, a vehicle potentially linked to a shooting downtown less than an hour ago has been found on Delridge Way SW, not far from the bridge.

12:09 PM UPDATE: A containment area is being set up in a wide area around the reported vehicle discovery in the 4100 block – traffic is being blocked across a wide area. Scanner traffic says the vehicle was unoccupied but a major search is under way. This apparently was the shooting that happened at 8th and Seneca within the past hour – the second shooting in the city today. More to come.

12:13 PM UPDATE: There is a news chopper from Channel 7 over the SUV in question and KIRO reports that at least one gun has been spotted inside, from their aerial vantage point. We are monitoring KIRO radio and they say the shooting at 8th and Seneca has turned fatal – a woman was shot after some kind of “disturbance.” They say police do not believe at this point that the First Hill shooting was related to another deadly shooting in the city earlier this morning, 2 people killed in the U District.

12:16 PM UPDATE: We have just reached the south end of Youngstown and traffic is being detoured uphill. Huge amount of flashing lights visible along blocked-off Delridge in front of Youngstown. Chopper audible overhead. We’ve parked relatively nearby and WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand has gone down the hill to see/find out what he can.

12:25 PM UPDATE: Police have yellow tape up roughly from the middle of Youngstown Arts Center, telling people to stay out of the area. Southwest Precinct operations Lt. Pierre Davis is on scene. They’re staging media. Also, we are trying to verify possible school lockdowns/sheltering in place – our son at Chief Sealth International High School, at least 2 miles from the vehicle discovery, says they are sheltering in place.

12:40 PM UPDATE: Seattle Times says a home is being searched in Delridge/Genesee area. Seattle Public Schools says “Sealth, Denny, Lafayette and Pathfinder@Cooper are in shelter in place” mode. Also, a parent has forwarded us an e-mail saying Holy Rosary is in lockdown. Thanks for sharing any information you have on school status – we are harvesting and monitoring as best we can.

12:53 PM UPDATE: If you have trouble getting the site, our apologies, traffic flood, we are working with our server to try to open more gateways. We also are updating key info on Twitter and Facebook – twitter.com/westseattleblog and facebook.com/westseattleblog. Police now have SWAT units in the area but there is no word of an arrest yet.

1:02 PM UPDATE: Police continue to search homes in North Delridge. Meantime, we are told that in addition to the four schools SPS listed, Sanislo also is sheltering in place. The suspect in this incident is described by citywide media as white male, 35-years-old, blonde crew cut. If any sort of photo or better description is made available – Seattle Police have not put anything out on their social media or blog-format site – we will of course post it. Right now, it’s all focused on searching.

(All photos from this one forward are by Christopher Boffoli for WSB unless otherwise credited)
1:15 PM UPDATE: Additional school lockdowns – Seattle Lutheran, Hope Lutheran, per Hope’s principal. Tilden, per a commenter. OLG and Westside, no, per the information we have – they are outside the zone of concern. Again, NO ONE IN WEST SEATTLE HAS BEEN HURT OR THREATENED AT THIS POINT – important to say that – police found the vehicle linked to 8th/Seneca shooting but have not found the suspect. Also note that North Delridge buses are being rerouted – the 120 and we believe 125, up Andover at last report. (updated) Westside School says via FB that they ARE taking safety precautions just in case. We also have a report via Twitter that Gatewood may be sheltering in place too, trying to verify that with SPS central.

1:29 PM UPDATE: Community School of WS also reported to be in shelter in place. Meantime, there was a brief flurry of activity at the search scene, a possible suspicious person at Youngstown – who turned out to be a worker, according to our crew there, so all the media has now retreated from that. It’s been about two hours now since the shooting to which the SUV found here is believed to be linked, at 8th/Seneca, leaving a woman dead – here’s the latest from our partners at the Seattle Times. Police now say it appears the victim was arguing with a man before the shooting – early reports of a carjacking don’t seem to have borne out, but keep in mind, witness reports etc. can change. What has complicated all this is that it was the second deadly shooting of the morning in the city – a half-hour earlier, a man shot five people – two of whom have died – at a café in the U District. Police have not said if there’s possibly any link between the two incidents.

(North Delridge, SW Yancy vicinity, 1:30 pm)
1:43 PM UPDATE: From Seattle Public Schools regarding the end of the school day, spokesperson Teresa Wippel says, “We are planning on regular release times and don’t anticipate delays in transportation home. The city has blocked certain streets and our buses will follow the safe, alternate routes as needed.” SW Precinct Lt. Davis has just talked with media crews including ours and we are asking a followup about the closed roads and access to areas including Pigeon Point. Stand by for whatever we find out.

1:52 PM UPDATE: Northbound Delridge has JUST been reopened at the scene in 4100-4400 Delridge. Re: Pigeon Point, we are told by police that Andover is open. ALSO – per scanner – schools in this area will be notified that lockdowns are not currently requested (though keep in mind, schools are always free to take whatever precautions they feel is best for their students’ safety – this is just a matter of whether they want to know if police think they SHOULD be sheltering in place/locked down).

(Photo by Patrick Sand for WSB)
2:01 PM UPDATE: Scene is starting to clear. Tow truck has arrived to impound the vehicle (photo added). Getting more word of schools lifting shelter-in-place. Police do confirm finding a weapon in the SUV.

2:30 PM UPDATE: Southbound Delridge also is now open. Meantime, police have checked out a couple reports of suspicious men matching the suspect description – one was at the golf course; our crews went there but it did not appear to be the guy. Now there’s a location that’s being checked out which for now we will describe as uphill to the west a ways from where the vehicle was found.

2:43 PM UPDATE: No confirmed breaks in the case yet. Mayor, police chief leadership have announced 3:30 pm briefing on today’s shootings. If it’s carried by Seattle Channel, we will embed the live video on WSB too; waiting to hear. The U-District shooting has claimed a third life, it was just announced. That’s four people dead in today’s two shootings – U District 11 am, 8th/Seneca at 11:30 am.

2:50 PM UPDATE: After yet another possible sighting of someone suspicious, police are now searching in the Luna Park/Bridge area, which we would advise avoiding for a while.

3:20 PM UPDATE: That search appears to be winding down. Police are now headed to Westwood to check out a possible guy standing along SW Barton with a holstered gun. We expect to be able to embed the video of the upcoming 3:30 pm mayor/police briefing here, by the way, in case you’re interested in watching it.

3:30 PM: Here it is – just click the “play” button to tap into the live webcast. We’ll add a few text highlights as we hear them:

>(Late night note: This is now the archived video of this afternoon’s briefing)

3:44 PM: Briefing under way. The mayor spoke briefly, saying police need “the tools they need to do their job” and also expressing concern about it being “too easy” to get guns. Councilmember Bruce Harrell, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, suggests “gun dropoffs.”

3:50 PM: Assistant Chief Jim Pugel says there are three scenes and many detectives are out at them: “We are doing everything possible” to solve today’s deadly shootings and “identify the persons who are responsible for these crimes.”

3:52 PM: We are not sure if it’s related but a shooting is reported now at 37th and Raymond. We’re en route. WSB’s Megan Sheppard is at the scene. She says the medics are arriving.

3:57 PM: KING describes the person who’s been shot as “possible suspect in downtown shooting” and says the person is “in custody.” Police describe this as an officer-involved shooting, via Twitter.

4:03 PM: SPD assistant chief at televised briefing says this was believed to be the NORTH END suspect and now they say the gunshot was believed to be SELF-INFLICTED.

4:09 PM: Assistant Chief Pugel came back with more information. Police with photos of North End suspect had spotted what they believed to be him – and as police move in, he says, the man knelt in the street, pulled out gun, shot himself. He still is saying they’re acting on the assumption there were two different suspects – this one and the one from the 8th/Seneca shooting. WSB’s Megan Sheppard is also at the shooting scene and says one key difference in the descriptions is a beard – would seem difficult for someone to change facial hair with two shootings half an hour and some distance apart. Here’s the roadblock near this shooting scene:

4:27 PM: The photos that police had procured of the North End shooting suspect – whom they believe to be the man who shot himself here – are on the SPD website but that’s jammed up right now so you can also check out KING5.com. Per KIRO, suspect is en route to hospital and was alive at last report – we didn’t hear medic transmissions via scanner but they have the advantage of a chopper.

(This photo, next photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
4:37 PM: Police have tweeted that detectives are investigating a possible connection between today’s two shootings. More info is promised shortly. A briefing at the scene was expected at any minute. We’ll add whatever our crew hears there, and we’ll have the entire briefing on video once they’re back from the scene.

4:45 PM: Suspect is now reported dead, and citywide media is quoting authorities as saying it’s believed he was linked to both shootings. Seattle Police also has said that in briefing just concluded at scene. And via Twitter, they say “evidence” links the two incidents. The earlier SPD Blotter post with photos is now accessible here.

4:58 PM: Police now call the man the “lone suspect in 4 murders.” No identifying information public so far as we’ve seen, but we are starting to hear more about the victims – here’s the Times story about a man who survived the North End shooting.

5:15 PM: The Times also has published a map showing where this all unfolded. You can see it here. Here’s our unedited video of Deputy Chief Nick Metz’s briefing at the 37th/Raymond shooting scene last hour:

5:44 PM: Police now say, via Twitter, the suspect is still alive at Harborview Medical Center.

5:54 PM: He’s just been identified, according to KIRO. Looking for a spelling so we may have to correct this, but they identified him as Ian Stawicki. The Times also has that name, quoting police sources, and is continuing to add information about his background.

8:21 PM: Catching up after a break. Adding more photos from earlier to this coverage. A few updates: Police now say the SUV that the murder suspect apparently ditched on Delridge was indeed stolen from the woman who was shot and killed. West Seattle Summer Fest event producer Oliver Little says in comments that two of the North End victims were members of the band The Bad Things, which played the festival last year; we found that verified on the band’s Facebook page. Otherwise, we haven’t yet learned anything about why Stawicki chose to head this way.

8:58 PM: And another update: KING 5 quotes a Harborview Medical Center spokesperson as saying that Stawicki has died as well as a fourth victim from the North End café shooting. That means 6 people dead, including the suspected killer.

10:19 PM: Earlier this evening, our friends at Capitol Hill Seattle reported that the First Hill victim was identified in an e-mail sent to families at her daughters’ school – a 52-year-old mom.

343 Replies to "Ongoing coverage: 'Lone suspect in murders' shoots himself in West Seattle as police move in"

  • katie m May 30, 2012 (12:09 pm)

    You know what’s sad…TR’s going to have to specify WHICH downtown Seattle shooting since two have happened in the last few hours. Ridiculous.

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (12:19 pm)

      Katie – the other one was not downtown FWIW. U District. This as I have added is related to the 8th Seneca shooting which ALSO has proven deadly. Three people killed in a couple hours. I was out on one story during those couple hours … and all this transpired.

  • Ian Page-Echols May 30, 2012 (12:19 pm)

    The cops across the street from Youngstown are being very cryptic. Just telling people to clear the area. People keep wanting to go past here, but they’re being told to go inside.

  • jno May 30, 2012 (12:20 pm)

    Ridiculous, yes. But the other one was not downtown, it was in the Roosevelt area.

  • Brandon May 30, 2012 (12:21 pm)

    Holy cow three shootings in that short of time? what is going on in this city?

  • Heather May 30, 2012 (12:23 pm)

    I’m on a southbound 125 bus, stopped and parked on the side of the road, not allowed to get off. At least 7 police vehicles blocking the Genesee end of the blocked off portion of delridge. K-9 forces present, police helmeted. No immediate action, but cops are noticeably on edge.

  • Curiouser May 30, 2012 (12:23 pm)

    There is a police dog apparently following a scent from the abandoned car on Delridge.

  • Justin May 30, 2012 (12:23 pm)

    Word of any West Seattle schools in shutdown? The only posting I see on the Seattle Public Schools twitter is Roosevelt HS up north.

  • Jack May 30, 2012 (12:24 pm)

    Odea is in lockdown how about west Seattle high or sealth ?

  • Tyler May 30, 2012 (12:26 pm)

    I am distraught. I can’t believe this is happening in our safe little city. I can see the KIRO helicopter from my home near the junction. So so sad. @tylerstratton

  • Delridge Mom May 30, 2012 (12:26 pm)

    This is awful! What the heck is going on lately? Sending thoughts and prayers out to the victims of this senseless violence as I hunker down in my house listening to helicopters overhead.

  • Lachlan May 30, 2012 (12:26 pm)

    It feels like the world is coming a bit unhinged. More than usual, anyway. Stay safe out there, everyone.

  • Pat May 30, 2012 (12:27 pm)

    Any more updates would be awesome. I live right there and have to walk to work at Met Market by 2. Hope they find who they’re looking for soon.

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (12:30 pm)

      I’m posting information as fast as we get it and monitoring multiple sources. No report of an actual suspect being spotted so far as we have heard. Citywide media has ample information on the actual shootings – again, this vehicle is believed to be linked to the one at 8th and Seneca, in which a woman was shot and killed.

  • The King of Norway May 30, 2012 (12:30 pm)

    Pathfinder K-8 on the top of Pigeon Point is sheltering in place — all kids are safe and inside, the doors are locked. Parents are asked not to come to the school at this time.

  • Brandon May 30, 2012 (12:31 pm)

    Hi Tracy,

    King5 (website) says that the second shooting was possibly a carjacking, have you heard anything like that?

    Thanks for being informed

  • DelridgeV May 30, 2012 (12:33 pm)

    Things are pretty hairy down here right now. Out walking dogs 10 minutes ago by community center, my hubby was told by cops to “go somewhere safe.”. Thanks WSB for being on scene.

  • Casey May 30, 2012 (12:34 pm)

    So creepy – I have chills and feel so sad for this poor woman and her family that was probably just trying to get to and from work. Any idea what the suspect looks like? This is happening so close to home.

  • matthew May 30, 2012 (12:34 pm)

    This is again another story near where i live i feel like this world is coming apart

  • Kara May 30, 2012 (12:36 pm)

    Don’t go out today while all this is going on. If you are near any of these events, which seem to be in North Seattle, near UW, but also in West Seattle,…..
    It is best to stay home today and let the police and search dogs continue their search.
    Stay safe everyone. I just heard that deaths last year were 3 and so far this year close to 20 now! This is awful!

  • Velo_nut May 30, 2012 (12:36 pm)

    The news keeps saying Delridge and 41st… I’m I stupid or are they?

  • sabrina May 30, 2012 (12:36 pm)

    Thank you, WSB. Always on it!

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (1:43 pm)

      Adding to main story but, from Seattle Public Schools: “We are planning on regular release times and don’t anticipate delays in transportation home. The city has blocked certain streets and our buses will follow the safe, alternate routes as needed.”

  • Terri May 30, 2012 (12:37 pm)

    My son goes to Lafayette, what about that school??? Any word????

  • Justin May 30, 2012 (12:38 pm)

    Pathfinder’s nearby, too. No word if the school is in lockdown or not. KIRO TV is trying to find out…

  • Diane May 30, 2012 (12:38 pm)

    TR and Patrick; would you please both get the heck out of there; please; we do not want to lose either of you; we love that you report on everything in West Seattle, but please, unless you’re wearing bullet proof vest, or in bullet proof vehicle, get out to a safe area
    ~
    to my beloved Delridge neighbors; stay inside; be safe

  • Velo_nut May 30, 2012 (12:39 pm)

    They just corrected themselves… 4100 block of Delridge.

  • SillyGoose May 30, 2012 (12:41 pm)

    Holy Rosary School is on lock down.

  • WTF May 30, 2012 (12:42 pm)

    Please can these PsOS just inflict self justice and get it over with!

  • Nikki May 30, 2012 (12:43 pm)

    Just got an email that Holy Rosary School is on lockdown

  • Carolyn May 30, 2012 (12:43 pm)

    Sealth and Denny are both shelter in place

  • CMT May 30, 2012 (12:44 pm)

    Holy Rosary is on lockdown

  • Pat May 30, 2012 (12:45 pm)

    Thanks for your diligence!

  • Sunshine May 30, 2012 (12:47 pm)

    Sanislo is also in Shelter mode- my son goes there and I called to make sure

  • add May 30, 2012 (12:48 pm)

    Just heard Pathfinder is in shelter-in-place mode.

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (12:55 pm)

      SPS told me four schools and I added it to the story a while ago. Police are asking about Sanislo right now on scanner. I will add that and ask SPS to verify too…

  • Oh No, NOT them! May 30, 2012 (12:49 pm)

    Schools are in lock down? What are the children ready to pull out their guns and start shooting?

  • Deanie Schwarz May 30, 2012 (12:49 pm)

    WSB –

    tweeted to you.

    SPD officer at northend of containment gave description.

    White bearded male in dark tshirt.

  • stb May 30, 2012 (12:49 pm)

    Once again, thank you for the coverage. When I’m sitting at work I really appreciate having the information I need about the nearby schools.

  • Athena May 30, 2012 (12:50 pm)

    I just left Green Lake & was blocks away from the shooting there to come home have another search going on in West Seattle. What in the world is going on in Seattle?!?!

  • amused May 30, 2012 (12:50 pm)

    This is what happens when a city treat the police like crap.

  • Tammy May 30, 2012 (12:51 pm)

    Pathfinder K-8 is in lockdown/sheltering.

  • WSparent May 30, 2012 (12:52 pm)

    Word of any West Seattle schools in lock down?

  • Athena May 30, 2012 (12:52 pm)

    Gatewood is awaiting direction from their district on if they are going to lockdown or “shelter place” mode. Just called to find out.

  • christi s May 30, 2012 (12:52 pm)

    just recieved call from seattle public schools. my son goes to pathfinder, although he happens to be at home today.

    they are in “shelter in place” mode, but the message header says “lockdown”.

    parents: don’t come to the school and don’t call the school.

    access to the school is cut off because all routes in are in the “containment zone”

    Tracey and Patrick: FYI, seattle public schools is referring parents to the WSBlog for more info! =)

  • Ronnie Applewhite May 30, 2012 (12:53 pm)

    I just called one of my son’s teachers at Madison Middle School and nothing about a lockdown or shelter in place has been mentioned there. Since it is only a couple of blocks away from WSHS, I would imagine it’s the same there.

  • SJoy May 30, 2012 (12:53 pm)

    I’m going to guess all of the schools in West Seattle are shelter-in-place. The helicopter was up in the Admiral area for a few minutes searching the streets there.

    Scary how there is so much violence in a few days. Time to lay low for awhile… Stay alert neighbors!

  • Krissy May 30, 2012 (12:53 pm)

    My home is in the lockdown area (I’m at work, nowhere near there).
    I’m nervous now that they are searching *inside* a home.

    Hoping they find the suspect ASAP. I am scared to go home. :(

  • MB May 30, 2012 (12:55 pm)

    Thank you for being on top of this! My brother was at home near Delridge and Hudson and had no idea what was going on. Stay safe out there people. This is insane ;(

  • M May 30, 2012 (12:55 pm)

    What about the community college?

  • Pathfinder parent May 30, 2012 (12:55 pm)

    Can someone share what “shelter-in-place” mode means?

  • Ronnie Applewhite May 30, 2012 (12:55 pm)

    Watching King 5 live and a Seattle Schools rep has confirmed that the only schools affected are Sealth, Denny, lafayette, Sanislo, and Cooper.

  • jhoff May 30, 2012 (12:56 pm)

    just got the school messenger call from pathfinder – definitely in shelter-in-place mode.

  • Kayla Burleson May 30, 2012 (12:56 pm)

    im a student at chief sealth , high school . so far everythings at schools going well . were on a lockdown , but were staying in the school limits to be safe .

  • add May 30, 2012 (12:57 pm)

    Also, just got an auto-call from the Asst Principal at Pathfinder, assuring that all children are safe and accounted for and education is continuing. They are asking to NOT call the school and NOT to come to school to pick up kids as you would need to drive near the area blocked off. Want everyone to be/stay safe. Will announce/send another auto-call with any updates as they happen.

  • karlyross May 30, 2012 (12:57 pm)

    Hope Lutheran is also in shelter.

  • jedifarfy May 30, 2012 (12:57 pm)

    Just got the officially email saying 120 and 125 are rerouted. Scary stuff. I hope they catch this guy soon. :(

  • mom May 30, 2012 (12:58 pm)

    Lafayette is also on Shelter in Place A modified lock down business as usual inside doors are secured no one to leave.

  • Best Side May 30, 2012 (1:00 pm)

    Kiro keeps referring to the place of the search as 41st and Delridge. Those don’t intersect.

  • Jon in Gatewood May 30, 2012 (1:00 pm)

    Hope Lutheran is also in lockdown.

  • Sunshine May 30, 2012 (1:02 pm)

    I just got off the phone with West Seattle High school and they are not in any kind of shelter mode……..they said they haven’t been contacted……..so kids are coming and going how nice

  • Bryan Hollister May 30, 2012 (1:06 pm)

    I just heard Madison MS went into lockdown just a few minutes ago.

  • born, raised, & still in ws May 30, 2012 (1:06 pm)

    Does anyone know if OLG or Westside are on shelter mode or lockdown? I want to call the school but I am sure they are getting hammered with these calls. If anyone knows already, please post. Prayers and condolences to the friends and families of the victims. This is sad. I was sitting at a stoplight this morning thinking “I wonder what today is going to bring?” It is very sad that this is what the day brought.

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (1:09 pm)

      OLG was told by police they are outside hazard zone. Which means Westside is too but I have not heard from them.

  • sarelly May 30, 2012 (1:07 pm)

    Pathfinder K-8, up on Pigeon Point, is also in lock-down. I have a kid at Sealth, too. Yeesh.

    I think “shelter in place” just means stay indoors with the building locked to prevent anyone from entering.

    You really have to wonder what’s going on in the minds of people who go around shooting each other….Guns don’t kill people – people with guns kill people.

  • Bligs Mander May 30, 2012 (1:07 pm)

    Tilden is locked down now too.

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (1:11 pm)

      Thanks, Bligs. That by our unofficial tally is: Sanislo, Pathfinder, Denny, Sealth, Hope, Seattle Lutheran, Holy Rosary, Tilden… Westside note I have received says they were told NOT necessary to shelter in place. Again, this is only focused in 4000-4100 block of Delridge at time but search has expanded wider.

  • Grace May 30, 2012 (1:10 pm)

    There was a pretty loud helicopter presence near 35th/Andover for 20 mins or so until a few minutes ago. Does anyone know if that means they’ve found him, or just don’t think it’s up this far?

  • add May 30, 2012 (1:10 pm)

    Here is a description of the difference between lockdown and shelter-in-place – although my son at Chief Sealth says classes are moving as usual but all exterior doors are locked:
    http://www.dodea.edu/offices/safety/anti_terror/docs/200910_SSN_LockdownVSshelter.pdf

  • Emily May 30, 2012 (1:12 pm)

    Community School of WS is locked as well.

  • christi s May 30, 2012 (1:14 pm)

    shelter in place is where they lock the school and nobody comes or goes.

    lockdown is where they do all that plus turn off the lights and gather the kids up away from the windows. it’s a lot scarier.

    with shelter in place, they try to continue with school business and keep classes going.

  • lk May 30, 2012 (1:15 pm)

    is the search area expanding in any particular direction?

  • Casey May 30, 2012 (1:16 pm)

    Any idea how large this search area is? Are the up off Delridge or staying there?

  • Casey May 30, 2012 (1:16 pm)

    Any idea how large this search area is? Are they up off Delridge or staying in that area?

  • Casey May 30, 2012 (1:17 pm)

    Thank you, by the way for your incredible news reporting!

  • born, raised, & still in ws May 30, 2012 (1:18 pm)

    Thank you for the info on OLG and Westside. You are awesome. The rep on channel 7 is only reporting Seattle schools on lockdown or shelter mode so it leaves the private school parents in limbo. Thanks again!

  • KM May 30, 2012 (1:19 pm)

    I emailed my daughter’s teacher at OLG and she replied saying they are in lockdown.

  • sks May 30, 2012 (1:19 pm)

    schmitz park is shelter in place. West Seattle High school is not.

  • cher stefano May 30, 2012 (1:20 pm)

    Any other schools
    I called West Seattle High and they were unaware BUY are now

  • mightymo May 30, 2012 (1:21 pm)

    “This is what happens when a city treat the police like crap. [sic]”
    .
    I’m pretty sure it has nothing to do with the state of the police department. It seems the response shows that they’re doing a pretty good job. That doesn’t mean there aren’t systemic problems, as the Justice Department found and many others have alleged.
    .
    I was oblivious to the West Seattle part of this story as I walked from near Charleston to the Alaska Junction to shop at QFC around 12:30 p.m. It seemed a little quieter than usual — no kids in the playgrounds — but otherwise I didn’t think anything of it until I saw the chopper near Andover and 35th, and then I hustled home.

  • george May 30, 2012 (1:22 pm)

    Would think Highland Park is in shelter if they are going all the way across California Ave to lock down schools. Stay calm people.

  • AMDG May 30, 2012 (1:22 pm)

    Community School of West Seattle is shelter in place too. This is so distressing.

  • Wade May 30, 2012 (1:24 pm)

    Can Pidgeon Point be accessed by car at this point?

  • Sarah May 30, 2012 (1:24 pm)

    There seems to be no activity in SOUTH West Seattle. I am in the middle of the ‘zone’ and the helicopter has gone.

    The Community School of West Seattle has doors locked as a precaution but regular activities continue inside with the children blissfully unaware of the situation.

    The K-2 class is down at Lincoln park and staying on the beach. 2:30 pick-up will continue at the zip-line.

  • heather May 30, 2012 (1:24 pm)

    I am at my office just 7 blocks from the Roosevelt shooting (I’m a WSea resident). Lots of choppers, shooter still unaccounted for…so terrible, I believe 2 people died while getting their morning coffee today…so awful, my thoughts to their families and friends.

  • frap May 30, 2012 (1:26 pm)

    Westside school now in lockdown. All doors locked, kids in safe place until ‘situation resolved’ this from email from westside

  • Wes May 30, 2012 (1:26 pm)

    Shorewood Christian School is in partial lockdown.

  • WSMom May 30, 2012 (1:26 pm)

    Fauntleroy Childcare Center in the old Fauntleroy school house is on what sounds similar to “shelter-in-place”.

  • Carolyn May 30, 2012 (1:26 pm)

    Highland Park is shelter in place just called them.

  • LL May 30, 2012 (1:26 pm)

    What about preschools? My son is at the YMCA just up the hill but I haven’t heard anything from them directly and I don’t want to call, as I’m sure they’re busy with all other parents calling.

  • Ari G May 30, 2012 (1:26 pm)

    Fauntleroy Daycare and Lincoln Co-Op on California Way are on lockdown as well.

  • Karl May 30, 2012 (1:28 pm)

    “white male, 35-years-old, blonde crew cut”

    Hope the suspect is short. I’d like to go out and about.

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (1:46 pm)

      Karl – Lt. Davis has just briefed reporters at the scene and right now they will only go so far as to say “white male.” Stay safe.

  • Susan May 30, 2012 (1:28 pm)

    I live on Pigeon Point, and will be heading home from work soon. Any information on what streets/blocks are closed to vehicle traffic?

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (1:45 pm)

      Susan – the situation could change quickly. Police have just briefed crews at the scene. I will have info in a minute.

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (1:53 pm)

      Andover is open, police tell us. Also, Northbound Delridge has just been reopened, through the scene there in the 4000-4400 blocks, but there are still police on southbound.

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (1:55 pm)

      Also just in – police via scanner will be telling schools that they don’t need to be locked down (though of course it’s their decision how to best protect their students) – TR

  • sam-c May 30, 2012 (1:30 pm)

    Wade, there is an officer blocking Delridge at Andover, but you could still drive up Andover (coming from WS bridge).

    Grace, I think the helicopter left becuase noontime news is over.
    the police are still out and appear to be ready for whenever they find this POS

  • Jill Loblaw May 30, 2012 (1:31 pm)

    Did West Seattle HS go into lockdown? I’m skipping all the comments to ask this question even if it has been answered as I have a daughter there. Thanks.

  • born, raised, & still in ws May 30, 2012 (1:32 pm)

    KM- Thank you for the info on OLG. Did the teacher happen to mention how pick up would be affected if this is still going on at that time? Thanks for the info!

  • karen May 30, 2012 (1:32 pm)

    Does shelter in place mean not to pick up your kids until they call, or show up as usual – re Denny/Sealth?

  • helridge May 30, 2012 (1:33 pm)

    I bet he’s hiding in the greenbelt, big place.

  • CaroleI May 30, 2012 (1:33 pm)

    @Wade – Pigeon Point can be accessed from Andover. When exiting the bridge on Delridge cars are routed to turn left or right on Andover. You can probably also access from the South near SSCC.

  • Nitro May 30, 2012 (1:35 pm)

    Helicopter over arbor heights. Maybe unrelated?

  • WSratsinacage May 30, 2012 (1:36 pm)

    West Seattle/Seattle keeps heading downhill. Why?

  • Traveling Gypsy May 30, 2012 (1:36 pm)

    Could we get a better description of the area that is being contained? As in the boundaries of the area people are being turned away from? We have to go to a friend’s house by the Boren Building from the Central District and at this point don’t know how to go to get there. Thanks.

  • sarelly May 30, 2012 (1:37 pm)

    Jill: No, don’t think so – this seems to be happening all on the Delridge area, east-of-35th side of West Seattle, not north toward Admiral. It’s disconcerting, but I’m sure it will be fine. The police are doing what they do best, thankfully.

    The school said they’d call with updates but for parents not to come to the school now. School is not out for another hour anyway. I’m sure they’ll give us an update before then. I would imagine they just want to keep the area clear until they find the guy, and no sense in anyone putting themselves in potential harm’s way.

  • karlyross May 30, 2012 (1:38 pm)

    Just got auto call from Hope Lutheran saying that they are no longer in lockdown.

  • goodgraces May 30, 2012 (1:39 pm)

    I live on Pigeon Point. Our mail carrier just delivered our mail and I asked if he knew anything about what’s going on. He reported that he “didn’t know if it was the correct suspect or not,” but that 45 minutes ago (approx 12:45pm), he saw police with someone on the ground, spread-eagle, on the corner of 20th Ave. SW and Genessee. He said the person on the ground was white, approximately 40 years old. He could not say what color his hair was.

    This is 100 yards from Pathfinder K-8, which is in “shelter-in-place” mode.

    I don’t know if this was someone who just happened to be out and about walking and happened to be in the ‘wrong place at the wrong time,’ or if this was the person they were looking for. I haven’t heard since then that they have anyone in custody, so I tend to think it’s the former.

  • cher stefano May 30, 2012 (1:39 pm)

    the helicopters were asked to stop by the police so that is not really a sign of the situation being solved.

  • Emily May 30, 2012 (1:40 pm)

    Any word on pre-schools in the area? I feel so helpless sitting at work.

  • frank May 30, 2012 (1:40 pm)

    Please say he isn’t in Camp Long. If he headed East-you’re probably right “helridge”, he’s probably in the greenbelt.

    As always-great coverage WSB thank you!!

  • Alki Resident May 30, 2012 (1:42 pm)

    I followed the detour up the hill towards Pathfinder and came upon rifles drawn and a suspect in cuffs lying on the street that leads you to the entrance of Pathfinder school. He had a red flannel shirt on and medium length curly brown hair. I really hope this is one of the guys. People please pray for all these victims.

  • add May 30, 2012 (1:43 pm)

    Madison, also in S-I-P, is saying that as of now kids will be released on time and that some of the buses have been re-routed.

  • Hellridgian May 30, 2012 (1:43 pm)

    End the violence already, it isn’t cool.

  • Laura May 30, 2012 (1:46 pm)

    I just got an email and the lock down ot Holy Rosary has been lifted.

  • odroku May 30, 2012 (1:47 pm)

    Connected or not connected?

    “This as I have added is related to the 8th Seneca shooting which ALSO has proven deadly.”

    “They say police do not believe at this point that the First Hill shooting was related to another deadly shooting in the city earlier this morning”

    I’m missing where it flips, if it did flip.

  • CD May 30, 2012 (1:50 pm)

    Have the SPD searched anywhere near Schmitz park? There are many place people could be hiding in there…

  • Amy Thomson May 30, 2012 (1:50 pm)

    We live in a small neighborhood on the other side of the greenbelt from Pathfinder. Just wanted to thank you for your coverage on the situation. Our doors are locked, and we’re being vigilant.

  • michelle May 30, 2012 (1:51 pm)

    Hi there- concerned about “safe alternate routes for kids leaving school” Pathfinder has just one road leading to the school. What is the alternate route?

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (2:24 pm)

      Michelle – re:alternate routes, I don’t know and I doubt SPS would want to say, but I know what you mean re: PF. I think also alternate routes would be fluid depending on a situation.

  • jiggers May 30, 2012 (1:51 pm)

    I was at the hospital today when it all came down. They blocked off 9th as well between Virginia Mason and Harbor View for a few minutes. Nuts. Helicopters, TV crews all over at Harbor View.

  • frank May 30, 2012 (1:52 pm)

    That shooting earlier was @cafe Racer but the suspect did have curly hair and was wearing a plaid shirt.
    I thought the WS suspect had a crew cut.

  • Patti May 30, 2012 (1:54 pm)

    1 child @ Alki, 1 @ Pathfinder. I just talked to Alki. ALKI is NOT in lockdown/shelter-in-place (PATHFINDER IS!). To the poster re: pick up from shelter-in-place school…The automated call from Pathfinder said not to call school or pick up children. They will not release buses until the area is secure. An automated call will go out when it is safe to pick up the children. Everyone please say a prayer for all our children in lockdown/shelter-in-place schools and the people in the search areas! Thank You!!

  • JenL May 30, 2012 (1:55 pm)

    Just received a rather vague email from Lafayette confirming they are in lock down. What I am concerned about is what happens when school is let out… Do they keep them in place until police give the all-clear, or just send a flood of children out at the normal time to get on busses and go home?

    The communication from the schools in a situation like this leaves a lot to be desired, but as usual, I am very grateful to WSB for being such an amazing resource!

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (2:06 pm)

      JenL – I added that info earlier. Schools will get out at normal times, according to SPS. The e-mail may be outdated. Police are even clearing the scene where the vehicle was found. However, there continue to be reported sightings of POSSIBLE people matching the vague description, so you could see police converging in various spots to check out reports … we’re hearing one now in fact … TR

  • george May 30, 2012 (1:56 pm)

    Schmitz Park???? Please. So many places to hide that are closer to Delridge, lets not get carried away people.

  • KM May 30, 2012 (2:02 pm)

    OLG is no longer on lockdown so I’m guessing pick-up will happen as usual with no delays.

  • christi s May 30, 2012 (2:04 pm)

    KIRO 7 ‏@KIRO7Seattle
    #BREAKING: Officers say they believe #DowntownShooting suspect is gone from the Delridge area.

  • GenHill1 May 30, 2012 (2:05 pm)

    My daughter said they just lifted the shelter-in-place status at Sealth HS.

  • add May 30, 2012 (2:05 pm)

    So what does that mean – have they apprehended anyone? Why would they call off lockdown/SIP if nothing has changed?

  • Michelle R-R May 30, 2012 (2:14 pm)

    Gatewood is shelter-in-place, just came from there.

  • Catherine B. May 30, 2012 (2:15 pm)

    How many innocent people need to die before Americans will vote for more gun control? I haven’t heard this many helicopters overhead since I was in Belfast in the early ’90s!

  • Que May 30, 2012 (2:16 pm)

    Thank you Michelle R-R.

  • Laurie May 30, 2012 (2:17 pm)

    Just talked to my daughter who goes to Denny, and she’s on the bus coming home.

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (2:30 pm)

      Laurie – Glad to hear that! Meantime, there’s now a search in the Avalon vicinity, so if you see a chopper or police there …

  • KR May 30, 2012 (2:17 pm)

    Shelter in place is lifted at Lafayette, per email to families a few minutes ago.

  • Tyler May 30, 2012 (2:18 pm)

    A third victim in the #rooseveltshooting has died at Harborview Medical Center per KOMO News. @tylerstratton

  • add May 30, 2012 (2:18 pm)

    last message from Pathfinder – SIP lifted and students released as usual.

  • Jennifer May 30, 2012 (2:19 pm)

    Just got call that lockdown/SIP lifted at Pathfinder.

  • anonymous May 30, 2012 (2:19 pm)

    I was super paranoid leaving SSCC today. Hadn’t heard a single word about this until I actually got picked up from the school and there were cop cars driving down the street.

    It’s too bad the description is so vague. I saw a tall blonde crew-cut looking dude but he definitely didn’t look between 20-30. Plus there was a cop right next to him when he crossed the street.

    Hope they catch this guy soon!

  • OP May 30, 2012 (2:20 pm)

    If the U District killings and the carjacking aren’t related, I’d be very surprised.

  • Noelle May 30, 2012 (2:20 pm)

    THANK YOU West Seattle Blog! You keep us informed in a way the News Stations never can!

  • ohwellmaybenot May 30, 2012 (2:21 pm)

    So everything is being cleared, but there have been no arrests?! This is scary stuff.
    Sad for the victims (and friends/family).
    Be safe everyone, and THANK YOU WSB for being amazing as usual!

  • Just freed from All Star May 30, 2012 (2:23 pm)

    I was at the All Star Fitness just a couple blocks from where the shooter abandoned his car and watched the entire incident play out on the news while I worked out.

    The whole gym was on lock-down, although there were no police there to enforce it so some people did come and go but most stayed until around 2pm.

    At that time, a police officer came by and said they believe the shooter fled by bus or another vehicle before they even found the vehicle because they have no sign of him. Officer said we were free to go.

    There have been conflicting descriptions of the shooter who abandoned his car on Delridge Way today. Some news reported a guy with a “blonde crewcut” both online and live news on TV.

    Then others reported he had the same “curly brown hair and dark clothes” as the guy who was described at the Roosevelt shooting.

    The officer I spoke with at the gym said that descriptions are not typically consistent and that anyone who matches the description even 70% may be stopped by police. That might be why one of the readers here saw police with a guy spread eagle. When things like this happen it’s better to stay away from the scene.

  • george May 30, 2012 (2:27 pm)

    Yes, the bads guys didn’t leave bread crumbs to show their trail. Lets give the police a fair chance here, two major crimes within minutes of each other, and an additional crime scene. They have limited information so far and for sure will not release it until they are ready with facts. They know where the SUV is and who owns it. Lets see how many citizens step forward with tips that can help.

  • pam May 30, 2012 (2:28 pm)

    I am sure whoever picked him up (my theory is he called someone who will also be charged down the line) drove him east and out of W.S.

    Important to be cautious.

  • Chicaboo May 30, 2012 (2:28 pm)

    Police are rushing down delridge again back toward where they found the vihicle. Is something new happening??? I’ve seen 1+(?)suv cop and 4+ regular cop cars.

  • kk May 30, 2012 (2:29 pm)

    At the Mount and can see and hear the helicopters over head again.

  • Jim on Pigeon Hill May 30, 2012 (2:30 pm)

    I just came home to Pigeon Point from work and Andover was clear. Helicopters and police still in the neighborhood. Delridge was still blocked southbound but it looked like that would change soon.

  • DC May 30, 2012 (2:31 pm)

    Any update? Am I going to have to worry about finding this guy hiding in my townhouse when I get home from work?

  • k May 30, 2012 (2:32 pm)

    From the 35th and Alaska can see and hear the helicopters circling overhead.

  • Jtk May 30, 2012 (2:34 pm)

    So now he’s just wandering around. Right as the schools get out. Absolutely brilliant. No one thinks this is a bad idea? No one is concerned he is wandering around?

  • J May 30, 2012 (2:39 pm)

    Thanks WSB, great coverage.

    20 minutes after the shelter in place was lifted from Lafayette – PTA felt it appropriate to advertise The Spring Fling.

    Class act!

  • datamuse May 30, 2012 (2:39 pm)

    Based on reports of police cars and helicopters, Jtk, not to mention the traffic on this thread, I’d guess plenty of people are concerned that he’s wandering around. Let’s not panic just yet, right?

  • Jiggers May 30, 2012 (2:42 pm)

    K-9 units would have picked up his scent from the car before being led into the greenbelt. Maybe it led to a dead end. Not sure. He’s not just wandering around trust me. He’s either long gone or hunkered down until dogs can pick his scent up.

  • WestSeattleSince1979 May 30, 2012 (2:43 pm)

    J-Where did they advertise it? Was it possibly something that had already been planned like a radio ad or an email that was set to go out at a certain time, that maybe they’d forgot to stop?

  • Leann May 30, 2012 (2:45 pm)

    @Pati- Alki has all the kiddos out at recess and they are having lots of fun. Got an email from Bright Horizons on 38th that they are sheltering out of precaution and are prepared to go into lockdown if necessary.

  • G May 30, 2012 (2:46 pm)

    J…I’m cracking up right now! I love that Holy Rosary send out an email as soon as they went into lockdown…Lafayette was…er…”slower”. Thanks to the WS Blog for keeping up informed.

  • (required) May 30, 2012 (2:47 pm)

    @ Grace:

    We’ve got Lafayette young’uns, too. And I got two emails from the school PTA. Here they are, first and second, in order:

    “Lafayette is currently under “shelter in place” as per the recommendation of SPD. We are safe, and school is running as usual (with the outside doors locked). There was a situation in downtown Seattle, and the perp escaped to West Seattle. Taking precautionary measures, we are sheltering the students for safety.”

    “The “shelter in place” is now lifted (2:01pm). Dismissal will be as usual.”

  • Sybil May 30, 2012 (2:48 pm)

    Does anyone know what it means that they were searching homes? We are in the 4100 blk of 25th and was told that earlier there was officers? swat team? in our yard. Will they have been going through houses?

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (3:37 pm)

      Sybil, I do not believe they searched inside any homes. Let me know if you hear otherwise. I believe they knocked on some doors.

  • george May 30, 2012 (2:49 pm)

    Well Grace, there were several WS schools needing notification, as were the Roosevelt area schools. They needed to determine facts and more familes to reach than HR. HTH.

  • Athena May 30, 2012 (2:52 pm)

    I am more than a little concerned about the children and school release. :(

  • Lafayette Mom May 30, 2012 (2:54 pm)

    Lafayette did send 2 emails, one @ 1:28 and one @ 2:09. they are definitely not in lockdown and school will let out as usual.

  • Jiggers May 30, 2012 (2:55 pm)

    I guess he’s been cornered is what I am hearing.

  • DO May 30, 2012 (2:58 pm)

    I JUST got a call at 2:55pm from my daughter’s school saying they had been in lockdown but were planning to release on time. A little heads up would have been good! I had no idea until I read this what was going on!

  • (required) May 30, 2012 (3:02 pm)

    People need to quit freaking out and just be smart. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you know there’s now some really bad dude, dudes, dudette, or dudettes that are out there, and they killed some people. There were before this car was ditched, and there will be some out there still even after the police do their good work on this case. So we just gotta watch. Just use our common sense.

    And @J, yeah, Lafayette sent out a Spring Fling email, too. Yeah, but you know, whatever. I mean, I get it — you’re worried, adn then comes this inane email; but, come on. Go easy on Lafayette. At least they took reasonable and prompt measures during a crisis, and they actually sent us email about it, too. Yeah, life’s frought with risks and dangers, and this nutty murder stuff is the latest example. Real bad, too. But come on: you honestly want to lynch Lafayette over some inane Spring Fling email, just because it was sent out near or at the time of this sother stuff? It’s just a reminder. Lighten up on Lafayette. Beside, I bet you won’t forget Spring Fling now (chuckle chuckle….)

  • Jack May 30, 2012 (3:07 pm)

    There’s nothing the police can do to help save the guy from running atleast there trying there hardest to catch the guy. And you can’t have the children stay late for school

  • Mike May 30, 2012 (3:12 pm)

    J, you’re out of line. Get a grip.

  • ex downtowner May 30, 2012 (3:23 pm)

    ch.5 said the 2 people were arguing for several minutes then (man-vague description) shot her and took the car.

    Police said to have found the gun on the car set here in WS.

    If there was only one gun then there is an unarmed crazy man loose in SW. This is good to know

  • Admiral Lady May 30, 2012 (3:23 pm)

    Following this story on KIRO right now….5 police cars just went screaming south on Delridge…

  • Jiggers May 30, 2012 (3:25 pm)

    There is still a lot of daylight left for the police to make their move if they know were he really is.

  • smokeycretin9 May 30, 2012 (3:25 pm)

    THis is soo sad. THis city has gone to $hit. I have known Kurt, the owner of Cafe Racer for almost 20 years. Cafe Racer is a cool place to get breakfast, a drink and it houses the Museum of Bad Art. They are also a mainstay in the Seattle jazz music scene.
    My heart hangs heavy for all these families and loved ones of the victims. What the hell is going on?

  • Frank May 30, 2012 (3:26 pm)

    Let’s just be really sure The Seattle Police show the peaceful, gentle restraint individuals like this deserve. In fact, perhaps BEFORE the official apprehension we should take a poll of the Seattle-area readers as to how the official capture should go down so we could advise them on how to do so. Yeah, that’s how things seem to work around here…

    Now let’s listen closely to see if our wonderful Mayor will actually truly support his PD during the press conference…

  • MarcO May 30, 2012 (3:26 pm)

    @ AdmiralLady
    Probably because of the (probably unrelated) reports of a man with a holstered gun standing on the street down by Westwood village.

  • PJH May 30, 2012 (3:36 pm)

    Perhaps related

    Roosevelt suspect is shown in this photo.

  • Bonnie May 30, 2012 (3:37 pm)

    When is the Spring Fling? :)

  • greenelf May 30, 2012 (3:39 pm)

    Can’t see the video. Only hear music playing…

  • Jiggers May 30, 2012 (3:44 pm)

    Possibly the worst day of violence in Seattle’s history?

  • JC May 30, 2012 (3:47 pm)

    Anyone know what happened with guy in Westeood?
    @Jiggers, where they on the greenbelt on scent or just looking around? I live right next to it and don’t want to go home until this whole thing is resolved.

  • MarcO May 30, 2012 (3:47 pm)

    Possible suspect @ Raymond and Fauntleroy or 37th

    officer involved shooting of suspect

  • mrsB May 30, 2012 (3:48 pm)

    Three police cars with lights and sirens just went blazing north on 35th, we were waiting to cross on Morgan.

  • ian May 30, 2012 (3:48 pm)

    The ‘briefing’ so far is a joke. Crisis communications 101:

    1. Inform
    2. Solve
    3. Then talk about what to do to prevent

    They’re starting with politics. No hard info. None. Zero. Nothing.

  • jennifer wells May 30, 2012 (3:49 pm)

    cops just went racing southbound on Fauntleroy from Alaska area – anyone know why?

  • JimmyG May 30, 2012 (3:50 pm)

    People, get a grip and calm the heck down.
    Let the first responders do their job.
    Some of the panic expressed in these comments is laughable.
    And getting upset over an email about the Spring Fling?
    Life is fragile, it’s sad what has happened, yet it’s not the end of the world and you still need to go on living.
    The bad guys win when you allow terror to rule your life.
    I applaud WSB for staying on top of the story, but some of the readers need to put this in perspective. All of West Seattle doesn’t need to be put in lock down over this.

  • AMDG May 30, 2012 (3:50 pm)

    Police cars heading north and south on 35th SW, then west on Raymond. That’s as much as I saw. About 7 or 8 police cars with sirens blaring.

  • ian May 30, 2012 (3:51 pm)

    I’m sure they’re responding quickly to any reports or calls, at all. So them racing around may not mean much, I’m afraid.

  • 44th Neighbor May 30, 2012 (3:51 pm)

    Bright Horizons preschool is keeping kids inside and windows covered – I assume that’s the same as “shelter in place.”

  • WSCitizen May 30, 2012 (3:53 pm)

    3 cops and an EMT southbound on California past Charlestown, hauling a$$.

  • ach May 30, 2012 (3:54 pm)

    Officer involved shooting on 32nd AVE SW and SW Raymond of possible suspect. Contained.

  • george May 30, 2012 (3:54 pm)

    Now a shooting at 37th SW and SW Raymond?

  • JimmyG May 30, 2012 (3:54 pm)

    Fire log shows an assault call at 37 and Raymond which is what the latest sirens are over.

    Again, fellow West Seattleites, take some deep breaths here…

  • Bunnyfer May 30, 2012 (3:54 pm)

    WHat’s happening with the assault with weapon response on 37th and Raymond???

  • AMDG May 30, 2012 (3:55 pm)

    One ambulance, a big fire truck and fire dept SUV just left fire station no 32 and went south on 35th.

  • AthenaN May 30, 2012 (3:55 pm)

    Within last seven minutes:

    Three cop cars, high speeds, Northbound 35th Ave SW cross-street Holden – easily 65 mph.

    Two more cop cars and an ambulance…now another
    cop screaming down, but in silence with lights on…

    Another cop car, and now a Fire Engine from 35th and Holden’s station. Another cop car. Another ambulance heard in distance.

  • Muttleys May 30, 2012 (3:56 pm)

    KOMO NEWS 1000AM just reported another shooting on 37th SW

  • Mary May 30, 2012 (3:57 pm)

    Have thy given any description of the shooter? And are they still searching the Luna Park/Bridge area? I’m at ActivSpace – hearing LOTS of sirens…

  • WS Resident May 30, 2012 (3:58 pm)

    Listening to scanner: “Officer involved shooting of suspect”, and a short while later, “single shot to head of patient”

  • CJ May 30, 2012 (3:58 pm)

    I agree ian-very frustrating.

  • MarcO May 30, 2012 (4:00 pm)

    an officer shot the suspect in the head.

  • AthenaN May 30, 2012 (4:00 pm)

    Sheriff, Northbound passing 35th and Holden. My god!

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (4:04 pm)

      Adding updates on the 37th/Raymond shooting. Assistant chief spoke about it before televised briefing abruptly concluded.

  • Phil M. May 30, 2012 (4:01 pm)

    @SeattlePD: Preliminary info: Officer involved shooting at 6000 blk 37th Sw.

    https://twitter.com/SeattlePD/status/207969142727385088

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (4:27 pm)

      Phil, I don’t know when your comment was mentioned, but that WAS their initial tweet, and then it changed in assistant chief’s briefing. Deputy chief at scene now, awaiting word from our crew about what his briefing yields … TR

  • justme May 30, 2012 (4:08 pm)

    The shoe on the ground at this last shooting sure looks like the same shoe in the suspect photo from Cafe Racer.

  • Patti May 30, 2012 (4:12 pm)

    Thank you WSB for your minute-by-minute details!! Great job on keeping us informed!

  • miws May 30, 2012 (4:12 pm)

    Could it be possible that the Lafayette “Spring Fling” e-mail, was sent out on some sort of pre-set auto-send, and in all of the excitement of this incident, nobody thought to cancel it?

    .

    Mike

  • Mary May 30, 2012 (4:12 pm)

    Grace,

    It is embarrassing you compare schools and laugh about it in a situation like this.

  • WTF May 30, 2012 (4:20 pm)

    Murderer dies of self inflicted gunshot in quiet West Seattle neighborhood…

    Next.

  • trickycoolj May 30, 2012 (4:22 pm)

    Any info on street closures in the High Point area? Is it a good idea to go home from work right now or do I need to go find a place to stay until this clears up?

  • WSratsinacage May 30, 2012 (4:36 pm)

    KIRO keeps referring to WS as a quiet neighborhood. Can’t stop laughing about that.

  • george May 30, 2012 (4:36 pm)

    This may be a good time to take a moment and say a prayer to the victims and their families that have been impacted today. There will be a lot of sadness tonight.

  • westseattleowl May 30, 2012 (4:38 pm)

    the suspect looks like the person on page 2 of the cafe racer website. Probably not but just weird if so.

  • gatewooder May 30, 2012 (4:39 pm)

    The WSB needs to be commended once again for giving immediate access to information (both in Tracy’s reporting and the comments area) in a critical emergency. The gunman was heading in my direction, and I was already on the lookout for him, ready to call 911. I would not be surprised if someone in the Raymond/37th area did same and helped the police. That is what community-based news is all about. Thank you WSB, we are so lucky to have you.

  • Kate K May 30, 2012 (4:41 pm)

    Same shooter according to SPD’s James Pugel on KIRO News. 4:40 pm.

  • Amy Thomson May 30, 2012 (4:42 pm)

    What a terrible, terrible day for Seattle. My heart goes out to the families of the victims, and to everyone in the city who was made afraid today because of the violence that happened near where they live. Let us hope that this is the last violence in Seattle for a long, long while.

  • RS May 30, 2012 (4:43 pm)

    WS seems pretty quiet to me…

    Anyway, thanks to WSB for always having such great coverage on issues big and small.

  • Kristina May 30, 2012 (4:44 pm)

    Katie K, I hope you’re right. One shooter is more than enough, and two is insanely unbearable. Prayers for everyone tonight…

  • Jack May 30, 2012 (4:46 pm)

    The folks from Cafe Racer were part of our wonderful vaudeville/ performer community. Members of Circus Contraption and many many local bands. There were well loved artists. There are a lot of heart broken people in this city tonight.

  • Nearby Resident May 30, 2012 (4:47 pm)

    I am a bit confused. Was the car abandoned on Delridge the same that was seen at the scene of the Seneca shooting? If so, wouldn’t it seem very unlikely that two separate shooters happened to end up in the same area of west seattle??

  • Nearby Resident May 30, 2012 (4:49 pm)

    I spent quite a few times in Cafe Racer while my husband shopped next door at Trading Musician. They were a lovely bunch of folks. Very sad, indeed.

  • jissy May 30, 2012 (4:50 pm)

    Does anyone have any idea who this guy was? Did he live in that 37th/Raymond neighborhood? Why on earth did he end up here? Just seems so senseless.

  • Debbie May 30, 2012 (4:52 pm)

    I wonder if the schools should have stayed in lock down a while longer, instead of all of us there to pick up our kids. I guess you never know when to release them but I picked up my son at Gatewood Elem. at 2:50, talked with families outside until 3:30 and left. 30 minutes later and 5 blocks away the suspect shoots himself, with cops there. Too close for comfort.

  • Jiggers May 30, 2012 (4:52 pm)

    I heard he died. Good. Saved us tax payers millions of dollars.

    R.I.P. to those who perished by his evilness.

  • hollyplace May 30, 2012 (4:53 pm)

    Westseattleowl- He does look similar to to the guy on page 2 of thr cafe racer site. So sad.

  • Norman May 30, 2012 (4:54 pm)

    I have to say living between both of these places was a bit unnerving today. Good job Seattle Police. I hope their budget dose not get cut any further.

  • WSMama3 May 30, 2012 (4:54 pm)

    Thank you WSB for the up-to-date info. We here in the Gatewood community are thankful to know what was happening minute by minute.

  • DBP May 30, 2012 (4:58 pm)

    Yo!
    .
    When the shock and awe is over, go to this thread on the forums:
    .
    https://westseattleblog.com/forum/topic/a-good-day-to-reflect-on-gun-violence
    .
    That’s where you can participate in a meaningful discussion on gun violence, instead of just reacting reflexively (and then forgetting all about it tomorrow.)

  • WSMama3 May 30, 2012 (4:58 pm)

    I agree Debbie – Science Club was outside (runs from 3-4).

    The parents that showed up early for pick up asked them to move inside.

    Granted, I drove home then to the shooting having happened a block from our house (and I drove my other kids by to go pick up the Big literally 10 minutes before this happened).

    I agree with Jiggers for once. R.I.P. to those we lost today.

  • Rachel May 30, 2012 (5:01 pm)

    If the man is dead, then why is the helicopter still circling over my house at Fauntleroy and Raymond? 5:00 pm

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (5:04 pm)

      Rachel – That would be a TV chopper. They’re still live and they need to say “You’re looking at the scene where this happened …”

  • drken May 30, 2012 (5:08 pm)

    I am very disturbed that Westside school didn’t act very fast in making my grandson safe. The murderer was running around a mile and a half from Westside and my grandchild could’ve been shot in the playground. The public school which my other grandkid attends acted much faster. My daughter actually got an email from Westside saying the Police said they did not need to go into lockdown. They should have done the shelter in place right away like other west seattle public schools. My daughter tells me now that she thinks eventually they did do shelter in place but not fast enough for me.

  • Alki Resident May 30, 2012 (5:09 pm)

    Now that we know the shooter is dead,lets focus on the victims and their families and see what we can do as a community tonight. This whole ordeal has been so surreal and sad,seems like out of a movie but it’s not. So many lives changed today. Im beside myself with grief. Prayers.

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (5:13 pm)

      Alki Res, I am totally with you there. As more information continues to emerge about the victims, we will post updates, including any information about how to help their families, survivors, etc. – TR

  • Kristina May 30, 2012 (5:11 pm)

    Incredibly grateful to the WSB for their coverage. When I was downtown (not that far from the shooting there), I was able to check to see my daughter’s school status. When I came home, I was able to figure out if I was safe, and I was able to determine why there were helicopters close by. The WSB has been a bright light in this dark, scary day. Thank you, WSB, for the important work that you do. I always appreciate your reporting, but today even moreso.

  • trickycoolj May 30, 2012 (5:12 pm)

    Thanks for all the great coverage and even a text response when I asked if the streets were ok!

  • AthenaN May 30, 2012 (5:14 pm)

    While at work, covering breaking news at a local station I watched the day unfold – Lost two friends from the arts community at another friend’s coffee shop. A few hours later when I finally get to WS, the gunman kills himself just a few blocks away from my son’s school.

    What a horrible day.

  • TM May 30, 2012 (5:20 pm)

    Thank you WSB, very helpful and balanced as usual. What a sad day for Seattle.

  • Nitro May 30, 2012 (5:24 pm)

    WSB just got a shout out on Ron and Don show on 97.3 Kiro. Nice work, WSB- you all are awesome.

  • W.S. maverick May 30, 2012 (5:27 pm)

    why do they always come to west seattle

  • Jack May 30, 2012 (5:29 pm)

    I sent an email to a friend who was close friends with the victims asking her to let us all know if there is anything we can do for their family and friends. I will let the WSB peeps know if anything comes up.

  • ~~HockeyWitch~~ May 30, 2012 (5:30 pm)

    Was coming up the West Seattle Br when I saw the Helicopters hovering REALLY CLOSE to where I live.. first thought was, “Oh man, what NOW??” 2 unmarked police cars came screaming up the Fauntleroy and no one would get out of their way at the stop light at 35th… HELLO PEOPLE… MOVE MOVE MOVE when you have sirens and lights… Good Grief!!.. Got home and and have been listening to choppers ever since. My thoughts go out to all the people this jackass (pardon my language, I cleaned that up A LOT) affected today. My heart goes out to the family and friends of lives he took. Couldn’t even be a man and face the punishment for what he did and took his own life. Coward!!! Its been a terrible weekend and week so far with all the shootings and murders… My heart is sad that there is so much hate and anger in people.

  • Brandon May 30, 2012 (5:31 pm)

    I mean logically the reasons all make sense, but the original descriptions of the suspects don’t match. I understand the logic that the person from the 1st shooting would want a getaway car. But the original description of the 8th ave shooting, had a blonde crew cut. The 1st one had a beard and longer hair according to the picture. It doesn’t then follow logically that in the span of 30 minutes the same guy could get from U District to 8th and Seneca and shave his beard. Maybe I’m just paranoid and maybe im not. what do other people think. I just don’t buy it that they have found the second suspect

  • Jehu May 30, 2012 (5:31 pm)

    To the wannabe thug in the red hat and giant grin at the front of the press conference on 37th & Raymond yelling “Westside” and flashing the sign on your cell phone until a cop had to make you chill: Stay classy.

  • Brandon May 30, 2012 (5:37 pm)

    Also, I am not saying that it isn’t him but the information they have given us doesn’t lead me to believe that it is.

  • ~~HockeyWitch~~ May 30, 2012 (5:41 pm)

    Now the news is reporting that the shooter is NOT Dead… that he’s being treated at Harborview.

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (5:46 pm)

      HW, that comes from Seattle PD and we have added it to our story. – TR

  • cjp May 30, 2012 (5:43 pm)

    SPD tweeted it: Homicide suspect is still alive and receiving treatment at Harborview Medical Center.

    And if you look at their earlier tweet, they only said he shot himself in the head, never that he was dead. Crazy. I wonder if the police briefed the media that he was dead, or if the news sites just jumped to the conclusion? bonkers.

  • james May 30, 2012 (5:50 pm)

    BTW the witness i talked to says the suspect looked like a kid

  • Admiral Janeway May 30, 2012 (5:58 pm)

    I know this has been said several times on this thread, but thank you WSB. Your coverage of this news event was greatly appreciated today.

  • Kristina May 30, 2012 (6:00 pm)

    The Metz briefing indicates that they are not positive it was the same guy for both shootings….was that video prior to the release saying that the self-inflicted-gunshot suspect was the suspect in BOTH shootings? What is the latest on that? (Trying to understand the timeline – are they now saying it might not be the same person, or was that older info?)

  • jeff May 30, 2012 (6:14 pm)

    According to the Times link, the suspect was known to be “mentally ill.” I am curious how he was able to acquire at least two handguns?

  • lissyjane May 30, 2012 (6:14 pm)

    so sad. a couple of my friend’s posted videos on FB of two of the musicians who were murdered today at Cafe Racer. There will be a healing ceremony with music and art sometime in the near future and I will share when that info is available.( It’s already in the works by some of my friends.) Thanks WSB. Thanks to our schools for keeping our kids safe while this craziness struck our beloved town. my heart goes out to every single person who was affected by this tragedy today. Love to all as we heal.

  • Just freed from All Star May 30, 2012 (6:15 pm)

    Brandon, I had the same concern about the two different descriptions suddenly becoming one description.

    My post above mentions that I asked a SW officer about this as he released us from lock-down at All Star Fitness today.

    Officer said that descriptions from witnesses are often inaccurate. My GUESS (not a fact and not something he said but a likely situation): someone may have told the news or police about “seeing” a blonde crew cut guy and that got out to the public but maybe that was just someone that a passer by *saw* in the area, maybe not the person who actually shot the woman downtown.

    I would like some clarification made publicly by police or news people about why the “blonde crew cut” description was even mentioned.

    This is a matter of people trusting that the guy who was caught is the only person who was at large. TR, if you talk with police it would be great to mention that is a concern for some in the community.

  • Joel May 30, 2012 (6:17 pm)

    Seattle is looking at another levy to provide wi fi in the schools. instead of raising taxes just pull the plug on this idiot and use that money for the wi fi.

    why keep this fool alive another second?

  • Barb May 30, 2012 (6:21 pm)

    6:19pm they now say the guy is ALIVE! Any idea why he came to West Seattle and brought this drama to our neighborhood?

  • trickycoolj May 30, 2012 (6:22 pm)

    The ice cream man is rolling through High Point right now. Kids are lining up with money too. Things are right back to normal.

  • sarelly May 30, 2012 (6:26 pm)

    I also just heard on radio shooter is still alive at Harborview despite having shot himself in the head.

    What an awful day. Especially for the families of the victims.

  • Jiggers May 30, 2012 (6:36 pm)

    So were the three men sitting at the counter they showed in the pictures when the killer approached them from behind victims? How about the lady on the left reading her book?You can see she left her purse and the chairs were tipped over. Did they perish outside?

  • clark5080 May 30, 2012 (6:40 pm)

    His family is also quoted as saying “We could see this coming” why on earth would you not try to get those guns out of the hands of the mentally unstable person.

  • Fairmount Park Girl May 30, 2012 (6:49 pm)

    Ian Stawicki lived in the Roosevelt neighborhood, and that is definitely him in the photo from the surveillance video. How I know this is because I dated him as a teenager (shudder). As far back as 20 years ago he was overly preoccupied with weapons and slept with a handgun under his pillow. He was always a social outcast and more than a little ‘off’. If the guy who shot himself in WS is the same as the person in the still they got from the video, then it’s definitely Ian Stawicki, and I can see him doing all of those things. I suspect, based on my experience with him, that he is a paranoid schizophrenic. Not saying that mental illness causes random acts of violence, but it would explain his baffling and horrifying behavior. Felt shunned by peers in a place he frequented, already had paranoid delusions, felt on the outside of society, decided to get revenge. Never was successful with women and developed a seething hatred toward them, hence the ease at which he enacted violence against the woman downtown. All conjecture on my part, but spoken with a fair lack of bias given my personal experience with the individual. Gawd. Still shuddering. My thoughts and grief are with the families of the victims. I hope you know that you have a lot of love from people in this city.

  • Oliver Little May 30, 2012 (6:58 pm)

    The Bad Things played the West Seattle Summer Fest just last year. 2 members shot dead at Cafe Racer today. I’m heart broken.

  • kumalavula May 30, 2012 (7:04 pm)

    as someone who works in one of the west seattle schools and only heard about this from inside a building all day, i just want to thank the west seattle blog for all that you do for our community. i realize that today must have been an incredibly difficult roller coaster ride for people all over town. i just happened to get an email from town hall saying they’ve cancelled their event tonight since one of the shootings happened in the parking lot adjacent to their building and out of respect for their staff and the families of all the victims, they will postpone. it’s on days like this that we realize what a “town” seattle is. it may be a city in the larger picture, but our individual neighborhoods become linked when someone does something in one place and the results reverberate from north to south, east to west. i happen to live in the neighborhood where the car was found on delridge and it caused me concern but i couldn’t leave my classroom to come see what was going on to my friends and neighbors so i relied on the blog to report up to the minute happenings. we are so, so lucky to have people who have dedicated themselves to making us all informed and as we all take time tonight to appreciate our friends, families and coworkers, i would also like to say i truly appreciate the hard work that the blog and its staff do 24-7. today was exhausting for everyone and you guys did a stellar job of keeping this community, that became center stage in the drama, well informed. thank you!

  • NotMe May 30, 2012 (7:12 pm)

    Hey trickycoolj …. Just the way it should be. Life does go on for everyone outside of this disaster. Pick up the pieces, hug and support the families of ALL the victims if you know them, and keep going. Stop listening so much to the media that thrives on stories like this (good ratings) and get outside. Talk to your neighbors. More block parties! We should be doing that crap once a month – not once a year! And for God’s sake, I hope I never hear a family member or friend ever say, “We could see this coming…”

  • drg May 30, 2012 (7:21 pm)

    Today’s events have been utterly horrible. My thoughts are with the victims and their families/friends.

    And as others have said, a huge thank you to WSB for keeping us informed. You’re an invaluable community resource.

  • Valerie May 30, 2012 (7:28 pm)

    WSB, I can’t thank you enough for your thorough and timely coverage of this day’s events and for the great work you do all the rest of the time. To have the first shootings happen near where I work, and then watch the denouement unfold in my neighborhood – well, it’s left me a bit discombobulated. Your coverage was a huge help in keeping me informed and able to connect with a couple of friends who were on The Peninsula to keep them apprised of what was going on.
    .
    My thoughts and prayers and my deepest condolences go to all who lost loved ones today. So very, very sad.

  • LyndaB May 30, 2012 (7:34 pm)

    I feel very disturbed at today’s events. I know Kurt the owner of Cafe Racer. My best friend knows the woman who was killed downtown. Where the suspect was captured is a block away from where my brother lives. That is too close for comfort in terms of degrees of separation. :(

    Thoughts and prayers for the families of those who passed away.

  • angela May 30, 2012 (7:36 pm)

    clark5080 – you are assuming the family knew he had guns. You dont know. Mental health budgets have been dwindling for many years. Its scary that there are no resources for these people and they ARE EVERYWHERE. Unfortunately because resources are so lacking, these situations will always occur, the family really cannot do anything – its very difficult to get someone committed especially 40 year old adult – truly impossible unless the person takes action – which he has now done.

  • Wet May 30, 2012 (7:44 pm)

    I agree with Brandon, I am skeptical that the gunman committed the murders in both locations.

    My thoughts are with All the families affected by this tragic event.

    Again a huge thank you to the West Seattle Blog for keeping our community informed.

  • Robert May 30, 2012 (7:57 pm)

    People, please stop crusing our block. There is nothing to see here.

  • G May 30, 2012 (7:58 pm)

    I must applaud the WS blog as this is where I got my info today. I had a meeting scheduled at Lafayette at 1pm. I was checking my email and had my phone..hoping for some word from the schools at to whether they were in lockdown or not. Do I go to the meeting? I was just pretty PO’d that SPS did not do the email or robo call until nearly 1:30…when I got the message from Holy Rosary BEFORE 12:30…an hour difference? I know there is more kids in SPS than Holy Rosary…but I STILL hold that SPS could have done better at communicating with parents. I’m glad they decided to keep the kids safe…yadda yadda….but am I the ONLY parent that wanted to know what was “going on”? Heck, I think I heard which schools were in lockdown on the radio before receiving word from SPS. I’m sure the “SpringFling” email was already scheduled before this whole thing…but on the heels of their 1 hour lag time, it struck me as “funny”…sorry to offend.

  • ohthehorror May 30, 2012 (7:59 pm)

    I really noticed today how much more accurate, well-written and non-dramatized West Seattle Blog was than the other news outlets. I rarely watch TV news, and the coverage of “Deadly Day” that I witnessed periodically today made me even more committed to avoiding it in the future. Well done, WSB.

  • Amy May 30, 2012 (7:59 pm)

    My heart goes out to the folks who lost their loved ones. So so sad. Thanks WSB.

  • Jiggers May 30, 2012 (8:00 pm)

    Police better be heavy at this years Summer Fest in the Junction. It is only a matter of time something happens at that event.

  • WSCoug May 30, 2012 (8:06 pm)

    There will always be mentally ill people doing crazy things. It is shameful Mayor McCheese uses a press briefing to toss in gun legislation that would not prevent gun crimes. There is no law or future law that would have prevented this tragedy. The mentally ill and law breakers do not follow laws. Ironically, what would have prevented additional senseless killings, a law-abiding person that was conceal-carrying their own gun.

    I will be praying for all those involved today.

  • Maisy May 30, 2012 (8:10 pm)

    I want to share my gratitude to WSB for keeping us up to date all day today. We truly appreciate your attention to accurate details and prompt reporting – you calmed our fears and shared facts that helped us to make decisions today. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. So thankful for our community and the West Seattle Blog, keeping us connected when we need it most!

  • jedifarfy May 30, 2012 (8:10 pm)

    I thought the two descriptions were fairly close to each other. Both had the age and size roughly the same. The hair color was the only sticking point. Considering one was from inside a building and another outside in full sunlight from across the street, it’s easy to mistake hair color and length.

    Overall, horribly tragic. It sounds like that was a pretty cool cafe and I hope to head up and support them whenever they are ready to reopen.

  • Mike B May 30, 2012 (8:13 pm)

    Thank you to the Seattle Police Department for tracking down the suspect in these tragic killings. You guys did great work today despite the extent and area of the crimes. As well as thank you to all the news media and WSB that kept us all informed. The story ended too close to home for us, but very sad for all the families involved.

  • bsmomma May 30, 2012 (8:39 pm)

    Today’s events were sureal. I pray for everyone involved and pray that the people in (West) Seattle can find Peace. It’s so unnerving when senseless things like this happens. I will not feel warm and fuzzy untill they elaborate on how these events were connected. I want finger prints. I understand people can be mistaken about identity…….But blonde crew cut hair vs dark ( brown) hair with facial hair is a huge difference. And being connected is a broad statement. HOW are they conected? I want some concrete evidence.

  • NSeattleMama May 30, 2012 (8:54 pm)

    King 5 reports ‎5 shooting victim dies. The suspect has also died…according to Harborview spokesperson. 8:54pm

    • WSB May 30, 2012 (8:58 pm)

      We’re a little hesitant because of reversed reports earlier but KING, we trust, so we were just en route to add that to the main bar – thx.

  • KL May 30, 2012 (9:06 pm)

    “Ironically, what would have prevented additional senseless killings, a law-abiding person that was conceal-carrying their own gun.”
    Oh please, this isn’t the Wild West…we don’t need people thinking they are badass vigilantes. The last thing we need is people whipping out MORE weapons.
    So tragic to see all of the senseless gun violence lately. Heartbroken for all of the families affected.

  • john May 30, 2012 (9:07 pm)

    So glad the shooter took himself so we don’t have to look at his miserable being, and pay for his incarceration, etc.

  • Cheetah fast dad May 30, 2012 (9:08 pm)

    My deepest condolences go out to those who lost a friend or loved one. in light of the loss of life, what really makes me sad is that the shooter didn’t start his rampage with the bullet for himself and that when he finally did turn the gun on himself, his aim was apparently off.

  • Dunno May 30, 2012 (9:10 pm)

    Very sad day for the City of Seattle and those lives impacted. After reading and following the days events there are a couple things that could have been done.

    1. Picture of guy should have been put up sooner.
    I was watching for a blonde headed guy, and never heard anything about dark facial hair.
    2. Seems to me the dots were not being connected by authorities, or information was being withheld from us. Giving out as much as possible and having all of us informed could have brought this to a end sooner.
    3. Maybe the amber alert should be activated when this much trauma is unfolding. It’s puts all
    radio, TV, and warning signs up on the freeway. Seems this guy was ready to shoot anyone.

    My theory is the guy knows a little bit about our area and headed for the green belt. Most likely came up through Camp Long or south of the Golf Course. Perhaps spent time in hiding there, wonder why he came out and exposed himself?
    Maybe living around here now, hadn’t been in the place near Roosevelt ave that he was living in.
    Big question, how did he get from 1st crime scene to 2nd one?

  • Brian M. May 30, 2012 (9:16 pm)

    Good points, Dunno. I have one more thing to add. Giving the timing, I think the schools should have retained their “sheltering” a bit longer. The suspect shot himself about an hour after schools had closed.

  • jedifarfy May 30, 2012 (9:21 pm)

    @Dunno

    Agreed. I heard nothing about facial hair. As for the dots, it seemed like people, perhaps, don’t realize how close that area is to downtown. I’ve driven from West Seattle to UW several times in the past few weeks during off-peak hours, and it’s very fast to get between the two.

    I, too, wonder about the WS connection. You must be coming here deliberately, it’s hard to get on the WS Bridge accidentally from I-5 (assuming that’s his route). Did he know people? Did he live here? Weird stuff.

    Condolences to all those friends and families of the victims. They didn’t deserve this at all. It’s horribly tragic. I do wish the shooter had survived at least to tell us why. Perhaps we’ll find out in the coming weeks. So senseless.

  • sh May 30, 2012 (9:35 pm)

    dunno and jed –
    Does there have to be a connection? no. He is mentally ill, he killed a women downtown with no connection, had to get out of the city, and maybe he thought he should grab ferry. Seriously no connection needed. Alki beach drive killing no connection, no connection at the killing in front of the feedback, perhaps there are a lot of mentally ill people out there.

  • mike May 30, 2012 (9:41 pm)

    Impressed at how fast SPD brought this to an end before he went on to hurt more innocent people. Rogue civilian action would have caused far more people to be hurt or killed.

  • Diane May 30, 2012 (9:43 pm)

    what about the gun that was sitting on the seat in the suv, for hours, without being examined? supposedly because, as the police said later, they had to get a search warrant before touching the gun; why should it take so long to get a search warrant in the midst of an emergency search for a shooter? isn’t there a chance the gun could have provided some much needed information about the shooter to assist in their search?

  • Grace May 30, 2012 (9:51 pm)

    I want to second everything that so many have said. There was an hour today that I spent away from windows, crunched down and listening to choppers over my block, while continually refreshing the comments in this story. -You guys truly report for the reason news should be shared: to keep our neighborhood informed and safe, and not for ratings or to increase heartrates. Thanks to you guys, and also for the community you’ve created to share facts and opinions with our amazing neighbors. Also, I wanted to say that the schools did a great job of making sure our kids were safe without scaring them. I know that at least my daughter’s school told them it was just a drill, which I agree was the best way to keep them focused on learning and not be scared.
    Today was sad….and a very tough reminder that no one is protected from tragedy, but I am thankful that we all remained safe and informed, while this man was on the loose in our neighborhoods.

  • AMDG May 30, 2012 (10:08 pm)

    Adding my thanks to WSB. It was a harrowing day to have a child in school — getting updates from you was a great help. One of the things that troubles me about today is that local schools were encouraged to go off lockdown/ shelter-in-place at the same time the shooter was wandering around the streets of West Seattle. I was driving my child home from school on 35th SW when the shooter was spotted and shot himself. Seems to me the authorities could have been more careful in that regard.

  • Morgan May 30, 2012 (10:30 pm)

    Thanks WSB for your commitment to accurate and swift coverage. We are all grateful for the work you do. A very sad day in our city. Completely heartbreaking.

  • in Admiral May 30, 2012 (10:34 pm)

    @Morgan Your words take my thoughts and express them so well that I will just say “ditto.”

  • Huh! May 30, 2012 (10:43 pm)

    I agree kumalavula. Seattle is still a small town because of its neighborhoods. I don’t see the actions of a mentally-ill person changing how I feel about WS and my town.

    My heart goes out to the families and friends of the victims.

  • Dunno May 30, 2012 (10:47 pm)

    Sh,

    Then why do we have detectives? To connect the dots! You needed to respond to put us down? Good job! There are answers to questions that may help the next time we face this. I’m still wondering how he got downtown so fast? Stolen car? bus? Too far to run that fast in the time-line. Sure agree about the school lockdown. Should have kept the kids safe with a crazed killer on the loose!

  • Carla May 30, 2012 (11:01 pm)

    Kudos to WSB for the awesome as usual coverage. Very sad day here in WS and greater Seattle. Thoughts and sympathy go out to all our neighbors affected in this tragedy. Too many guns available. And this poor soul needed serious mental help. So so sad.

  • jiggers May 30, 2012 (11:23 pm)

    I am so saddened to see that those were the victims in the same shot as he was approaching them from behind. Even the women with the open book to the left I believed was killed.

  • george May 30, 2012 (11:32 pm)

    All the second guessing here is rather comical. I’m glad the pro’s were on it, and not the Monday morning quarterbacks trying to tell them how to do police work after watching too many episodes of CSI. It takes time and man power to edit security feeds and grab a still shot, then post it without creating more hysteria. And why tip the suspect off to what you know and show your hand? Yes, the courts act deliberately in handing out search warrants (its called rights). Half the parents want their babies in their arms to protect them, half of them feel they are safer in school. Who do you protect? How do you know in advance where a shooter is going to surface? How do you know WHEN he will surface? Do you lock the kids up all night? Good grief people.
    I applaud SPD for closing this case in under 5 hours, given the sheer amount of information to digest and process. Imagine if we didn’t have todays technology to sort it out. Now, please go back to your arm chairs.

  • Just freed from All Star May 31, 2012 (12:21 am)

    Bravo SPD and SW Precinct! You did an amazing job today and acted swiftly.

    As scary as the day was for so many of us close to the action, imagine how scary it must have been to be a police officer in pursuit of an unidentified gun-happy suspect who could be lurking anywhere. I am glad none of them were harmed today.

    I am shaken about the people who died. You can be certain that an amazing community will come together to support survivors. That’s the kind of town this is.

  • Kris May 31, 2012 (12:36 am)

    The lady with the book is seen later sitting with another lady talking with the police. Kris

  • garden_nymph May 31, 2012 (1:58 am)

    As my very long and stressful day draws to a close, I would like to first express my sympathy for the lives lost and changed by today’s events. I would also like to thank the West Seattle community for contributing to the blog as events unfolded. I believe the SPD deserves a huge Kudos for their swift work and resolution, but most of all I would like to wholeheartedly thank the WSB team: Tracy, Patrick, JMOT and Christopher Boffoli for the amazing work you did providing us all with pertinent, up to the minute reporting. Reading thd WSB for years, I really appreciate the timely, ethical profdssionalism with which you report information. Your ability to channel multiple sources then calmly, intelligently share or explain it is invaluable. I respect your strong moral ethics, choosing not to rush to share the name of a suspect or victim until it has been confirmed by the SPD, King Co. Prosecuting Attorney’s office,hospital or family member has confirmed it. Today, as I continued to refresh my screen, hoping not to miss any important breaking news, I was again reminded of youf professionalism when you chose to give only a vague location for the latest possiible sighting. This kept us informed about police progress whilereducing unnecessary migration to the area. Until the WSB, I didn’t appreciate how valuable your reporting style is. No bias or opinions, just factual, concise, excellent reporting about subjects that matter to my community and me. Today, in a few paragraphs, I had all the answers I needed to answer my initial questions. I knew what was happening and that my daughter, also a Sealth student, was safe. Thank you for peace of mind. Our community is richer because of you!

  • sc May 31, 2012 (6:32 am)

    Such a sad yesterday.

    Wanted to include a grateful thank you to the trauma staff at Harborview for their part in taking care of those who were shot. And again thank you to Seattle police and fire.
    Any of us could have been where the victims were, having coffee or in a parking lot downtown. My city is still a wonderful place to live but right now it is a sadder place

  • Brandon May 31, 2012 (6:48 am)

    First and foremost thanks to WSB for the awesome reporting. Second, I was the one who originally posted my skepticism on the two suspects being one. The SPD did a great job solving this case, do I believe at this point that the two suspects are one? Not really, but only because SPD hasn’t said anything to prove my theory wrong. A simple statement from SPD stating that the witnesses from the 8th/Seneca shooting have confirmed that the person was the same would go a long ways. My biggest issue is the beard, because in the original tweets by SPD they didn’t mention a beard on the 8th/Seneca shooting suspect. I understand that in situations like this hair color and stuff can be seen incorrectly but the beard really stands out as the thing most people whether inside/outside would have mentioned. Also, I am not just saying these things because I want to stir the pot, I am generally concerned for the safety of my family and all of WS, if the two are not the same. Saying all that, what I really want to talk about is the tragic loss of human life and how sad I am today about it. R.I.P to the victims and my thought and prayers go out to the families of the victims.

  • AMDG May 31, 2012 (6:53 am)

    In addition to thanking WSB for its incredible coverage, I also want to add my appreciation for the SPD. Yes, I had concerns about school kids’ safety and ending lockdowns/SIPs, but that doesn’t take away from our law enforcement’s professionalism and extreme competence in bringing this tragedy to a swift close. Thank you, Seattle police!

  • CGB May 31, 2012 (6:54 am)

    WSB,excellent reporting as always. One minor correction, the band members were from Circus Contraption. They are closely aligned with the Bad Things.

  • cjboffoli May 31, 2012 (7:19 am)

    In addition to the Seattle Police Department, thanks and recognition should also be extended to federal agents from the FBI and ATF, King County Sheriff, and Burien Police Department, all of which had personnel in West Seattle yesterday. Not to mention the firefighters and paramedics from the Seattle Fire Department who were first responders to some very disturbing trauma scenes yesterday.

  • irritated May 31, 2012 (7:20 am)

    Give A Hoot’s comment is outrageous and extremely offensive to thousands of people here in our community who deal with mental illness, and their families and friends, and should be withdrawn from the posting.

    • WSB May 31, 2012 (8:22 am)

      Irritated – we have done so. Because of the volume of comments and the intensity of what was going on yesterday, our filter levels stepped down a bit yesterday afternoon because they were becoming an impediment to people quickly sharing information or asking questions. However, now that the crisis has passed, we’re going back to “normal.” Our apologies, that shouldn’t have gone through. But once in a while, if somehow something rulebreaking (which that was) DOES get through the filters – please e-mail us at editor@westseattleblog.com to let us know, on the offhand chance we hadn’t seen it … TR

  • Dizzle May 31, 2012 (7:33 am)

    @ ‘Give A Hoot; maybe you should start with yourself since you obviously have something wrong with mentally to think that about mentally ill people. People don’t choose to be mentally ill, they can’t help it just let people who have illnesses like cancer. The best thing we can do is help those in need and try to understand their disease to help prevent future incidents.

  • Yardvark May 31, 2012 (8:15 am)

    Why don’t we treat mental illness in the same light that we treat physical illness? We continue to ignore this issue at our peril, as witnessed yesterday.

  • jiggers May 31, 2012 (8:19 am)

    When you vote NO on the property tax ballot to those who need social services like this, it deteriorates the care that is much needed to help the homeless and mentally ill get the help they need. Otherwise its going to get worse when the government also has to make cuts as well to much needed programs. Just hope you are not in the wrong spot at the wrong time like with the victims yesterday.

  • Bonnie May 31, 2012 (8:20 am)

    Yardvark, I completely agree.

  • JoAnne May 31, 2012 (8:48 am)

    Stawicki was not lacking access to mental health care from what I’ve read of his background. The report was that he refused treatment.
    .
    Not every mentally ill person is a good, decent person who simply lacks access to mental health care. Some are just selfish, angry jerks.
    .

  • Danny May 31, 2012 (8:52 am)

    jiggers …

    Do those mental health facilities go around just rounding people up? These people either have to commit themselves, or have a family member commit them. Neither of those two scenarios would have ever played out for this guy. It’s not my responsibility to pay more taxes, it was this guy’s family’s responsibility to force him to get help rather than “hope” he gets himself help.

  • george May 31, 2012 (9:00 am)

    What garden_nymph said. Well done WSB.

  • george May 31, 2012 (9:08 am)

    For those who don’t recognize how a description of the suspect can get twisted, first realize, that SPD did not see the suspect themselves (until the security camera was reviwed). Thus, they are relying on witness accounts, people who may not be trained to react in high stress situations, especially when a gun and shooting is involved. People are human and can get confused very easy. When I worked at a bank, we did an experiment. During a staff meeting, one employee gets up, causes a disruption, and storms out of the meeting. Then, each staff member is required to write what they saw, and a description of the employee, including clothing. This gave us practice in remaining calm when providing information to authorities after a (possible) bank robbery. You’d be amazed at the range of descriptions everyone provided and was very enlightening. Making these decisions is not “by the book” and require expertise and courage, as someone pointed out, not to draw excess attention to the suspect in case he is monitoring media, social or video.

  • sam-c May 31, 2012 (9:43 am)

    Yardvark and Bonnie- I agree, but what are we (a city, country, society, family, etc) supposed to do when people with mental illness refuse treatment ?

    I struggle to wrap my head around that…

    prayers for the victims and their families.
    every-one has already described the depth to which WSB covered this tragedy.

  • Dunno May 31, 2012 (9:49 am)

    This is a great forum to bring out ideas of how a terrible situation could have been handled better.
    The police on the street did a great job. Behind the scenes there is dissention in the ranks and it starts at the top with our mayor.
    With lives at stake there is nothing wrong with reviewing how this could have been handled better. I live right in the middle of where the guy was. I was looking for a white male, blonde, short hair, nothing said about facial hair. The suspect may have walked right past me yesterday. I’m very thankful no one was hurt in West Seattle, because this guy was on the loose for over 3 hours here.

  • NotMe May 31, 2012 (9:50 am)

    I can’t believe some of the genius crime stoppers we have here in West Seattle, like “Brandon.” Why in the world would you believe there was more than one person that committed the crimes yesterday? Just to rile people up? The cops, FBI, mayor’s office, everyone – have all stated it was the same guy. Please tell all of us, oh wise one, why is that not so?

  • Jiggers May 31, 2012 (9:53 am)

    It must have been a record breaking day for the WSB yesterday in terms of people logging in. It crashed on me a few times.

  • Donna May 31, 2012 (9:54 am)

    There will be lots of attempts to understand and solve the problems underlying this recent spate of violence. There seem to be a few different issues. Yesterday’s looks to be mental illness, untreated mental illness. Most of us living with mental illness (including me) never commit any kind of violence. We need efforts and supports for our wellness and recovery. I’d like to see the mayor and city council convene a summit on mental illness. The answer is not more involuntary commitment.

  • quiz May 31, 2012 (10:06 am)

    Awesome, awesome, coverage of a terribly sad day.

  • datamuse May 31, 2012 (10:11 am)

    Good observation, George. What you describe is very similar to a situational awareness exercise that I’ve taught and that I perform myself on a regular basis. (Y’all can try it yourselves: pass someone on the street and then try to remember three things about them without looking. It’s harder than you think.)
    .
    The thing is, most people DON’T notice details unless they’re consciously paying attention, which is one reason that eyewitness accounts are so unreliable. A dozen people will witness the same event and give a dozen accounts that will differ to at least some degree.
    .
    Huge thanks to WSB for ongoing coverage yesterday: you guys had the most current information, the most comprehensive details, and the least panic-mongering of any news source I consulted. Bravo!

  • jtm May 31, 2012 (10:25 am)

    I’m so thankful that the SPD was on alert, but it is still unnerving to know he was wandering around our quiet neighborhoods for 3 hours!

  • Garden_nymph May 31, 2012 (10:43 am)

    Let the healing begin!

  • LivesInWS May 31, 2012 (10:57 am)

    Danny, wish things were more simple. But not everyone has a family, nor is every family able to influence a mentally ill relative to seek care. Denial is often part of the illness. The wait to receive mental-health services can be long, especially for those without insurance, or with Medicaid. Many clinics refuse to see patients with Medicaid insurance.

    I’d be happy to pay a bit more in taxes for health services and less for bailing out Wall Street. And none for (what is it now, 1.5 trillion?) in Iraq. Just a reflection on values.

  • Brandon May 31, 2012 (11:49 am)

    @ “NotMe”… I guess since you asked me directly I will respond. I believe that there were two different people because the official police descriptions, in the beginning, of the people were very different. If you read all of my comments, I stated that I don’t know that it wasn’t the same person. I wasn’t satisfied with the “evidence” presented to the public by police linking the guy to both crimes. I believe, and could be wrong, that yesterday the SPD said they linked the guy based on items he had in his pockets or otherwise on him that witnesses saw. They did not mention what those items were. Was it a phone? a watch? a wallet? What were those items? You can read my other posts on the other reasons why I won’t blindly accept their statements. I do not pretend to be an expert, nor a genius crime stopper, but I think these questions are all valid and need to be answered by the police. Also, I agree with George and datamuse that people don’t always notice things if they are in a stressful situation or unless they are paying attention. If that is the case though, the evidence stating that the man was linked to both cases because of items found on the shooter, that witnesses claim to have seen does not hold water. I would just like more concrete evidence. I also find it insulting that you, NotMe, think that I am attempting to “rile people up” because I did not blindly accept what these agencies have told us and do not agree with your view. I for one would love to believe that it was the same guy, and the only reason I care is because the suspect(s) were on the loose in West Seattle yesterday, and they called off the search for the second guy because they determined that it was in fact the same guy. But the evidence presented to the public didn’t convince me, so obviously I wanted to know what other evidence there is to link the two, because they called off the search for a potential subject based on some evidence.

  • White Center May 31, 2012 (12:09 pm)

    WOW! wonder why they didnt say this was in White Center… seems all bad things happen in White Center, even when they are in Burien and West Seattle

  • cher stefano May 31, 2012 (12:15 pm)

    @WScoug I believe the term “Mayor McCheese” was what they used to refer to the previous Mayor not this new one tho I agree totally with what you said. When something like this is still in play and they are still in search of a murderer it is not the time to go into a political lecture mode. Now that they have caught the killer and he is deceased they can concentrate on those political issues.

  • PJ May 31, 2012 (12:36 pm)

    Before we go on a witch hunt for the mentally ill, let’s remember that not everyone with a mental illness is violent! In fact, drug and/or alcohol abuse increase the risk of violent crime more than mental illness. “Unless drugs or alcohol are involved, people with mental disorders do not pose any more threat to the community than anyone else.” (http://psychcentral.com/archives/violence.htm)

    I don’t think there is anything to “explain” why someone commits such an awful crime. It’s senseless. My heart goes out to the victims, their families and friends.

  • AH Parent May 31, 2012 (12:43 pm)

    I’d like to say THANK YOU for Arbor Heights for taking the threat of an armed and dangerous man seriously and imposing the ‘shelter-in’. I am guessing other schools did the same even though not issued by SPS (?) I am not sure, I didn’t read or hear how SPS alerts schools. With someone like this roaming around, anything is possible! He roamed around for 4 hours – who knows where.

  • Yardvark May 31, 2012 (12:57 pm)

    Sam-c :
    I feel that part of the solution towards addressing the effects of mental illness is to remove the stigma associated with getting treatment. I have a number of friends, for example, who have been ashamed to admit that they struggle with depression and have hopelessly tried to grind it out on their own.

    What hope do we have that people facing mental illness will seek out or accept treatment when they potentially face the barrage of criticism, suspicion, and judgement that we’ve seen in these comments? (Most especially in those comments that were appropriately deleted.)

  • cher stefano May 31, 2012 (12:59 pm)

    @WhiteCenter Oddly I find it to be quite the opposite. Things that happen in White Center area seem to come to us reported as West Seattle. They did get this one right tho didn’t they. Fled from U district to Downtown to Delridge Way and shot self in WEST SEATTLE. We live in West Seattle and like the news reports to be correct also.

  • Cait May 31, 2012 (3:10 pm)

    What really fries me is that this guy DID have family that knew that something like this would happen. I can’t imagine committing a family member is easy but I also don’t think I could bear knowing that something like this might happen (enough to say it outloud to the press) and then know that either I tried to help and was not successful or really didn’t try at all. FRUSTRATING on SO many levels. It just shouldn’t be like this at all.

    The mental illness thing DOES go both ways. Some can’t help themselves and are sick but it’s also very easy to claim. That’s what’s so difficult about trying to discuss it. Clarifying his mental state one way or another doesn’t erase what happened yesterday and that’s the bottom line. The more sympathetic of us might be able to chalk this up to him just being mentally ill but some of us aren’t… no one needs to shove either view down anyone’s throat as truly it doesn’t matter. Everyone brings a unique background to the argument.

    WSB – thank you thank you thank you. I too live in the area that was being searched and it was a great comfort to have your page to refresh all day.

  • Cait May 31, 2012 (3:13 pm)

    Yardvark – absolutely!

  • Noelle May 31, 2012 (5:13 pm)

    Dealing with a family member who is mentally ill is tough. Not crying wolf a huge problem. If you pressure someone to seek help they are not ready to take, there is a risk of alienating that person. If you push the issue at the wrong time, and said Mentally ill person is not having big enough issues, they wont get the help they need anyway. 72 hour holds and mental health professionals can only do so much. Unfortunately our current system is build to help after something has gone on, not prevention.

  • Time to Think June 1, 2012 (9:51 am)

    “Unfortunately our current system is build to help after something has gone on, not prevention.”
    .
    Exactly. And everyone who protests the option of euthanasia for people with these types of antisocial psychoses are effectively speaking out in favor of events like this one where the affected individual ends the lives of others in addition to his own. Simply put – these people are going to die anyway. Protect the innocent victims by carrying it out in a medical setting.

  • K June 1, 2012 (11:30 am)

    That this has happened is so disturbing and upsetting on so many levels. My heart is breaking for the victims, their families and all others involved. My friends and I have talked about it and one thing we all agree on is that we feel like we want to do something to help them but don’t know what we can do. I am incredibly proud of the citizens of Seattle and all of the public service/health care employees for standing up and doing such great work. There is some kind of saying that goes something like…a man’s true character shows when the going gets tough. I am proud to live in a city where there are so many wonderful, helpful, caring people.

  • JJ June 1, 2012 (1:27 pm)

    “The news keeps saying Delridge and 41st… I’m I stupid or are they?
    Comment by Velo_nut — 12:36 pm May 30, 2012 #”

    So true. I asked myself that, too, briefly. But I was pretty sure it was them.

Sorry, comment time is over.