FOLLOWUP: The South Delridge shooting victim who wasn’t

Very early Saturday morning, as reported here, a 19-year-old man turned up in the 9200 block of 17th SW with a gunshot wound to the leg. Police searched for blocks around, with vague information about the location and circumstances – maybe during a robbery in an alley, they were told at one point. We requested the followup report yesterday, didn’t get it, then renewed the request today after noticing that what little information is online showed the incident wasn’t classified as an assault, but rather as “weapon discharge” and “injury.” Accidentally self-inflicted, Det. Patrick Michaud in media relations just told us, and the wounded man was too embarrassed to admit it initially. Case closed.

11 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: The South Delridge shooting victim who wasn't"

  • Swede. January 9, 2018 (2:50 pm)

    Understandable that it’s embarrassing but making up a robbery will likely get you in even more trouble! If you can’t handle a firearm, DON’T get one! Or at the very least get some training by someone that does. 

  • Darryll January 9, 2018 (5:08 pm)

    “Man discharges firearm in densely populated residential area” does not sound like case closed to me. Sounds like there should be some type of citation at minimum. Clearly this idiot is unqualified to carry a loaded gun in public, but more importantly, was the guy even legally allowed to be packing and discharging a gun, especially inside the city? I wonder what would happen if I “accidentally” fired off a few rounds on the corner of Henderson and 17th tonight?

    • AMD January 9, 2018 (6:08 pm)

      To be honest, we’re so used to the sound of gunfire coming from that block I don’t know much would happen at all.  It’s a HUGE trouble spot.  So much so I’m not convinced the guy’s second story is the true one.  But giving the benefit of the doubt.

  • m January 9, 2018 (8:16 pm)

    As a resident of that block…so many lingering questions…so much frustration…so disheartening…so worrisome when I, family members, neighbors, and friends park there alone at night.

  • Dr. Observant January 9, 2018 (8:46 pm)

    Falsely reporting a crime, is a crime. Just saying.

    • WSB January 9, 2018 (10:00 pm)

      It should be noted that “case closed” is my flip line. Not a quote from police.

      • Darryll January 9, 2018 (10:56 pm)

        Understood. But if history is any indicator, I think we can assume this case is actually closed and we should expect more of this idiotic behavior in the near term and beyond. Lack of patrols and lack of enforcement send a powerful message to the low lifes shooting up the area and stealing every damn thing that isn’t locked down.

        This WSB article from over 2 years ago describes the same core issues we’re seeing in South Delridge  today and SPD talks a lot about their new data driven approach to address them. I’ve filed a lot of reports with SPD since that meeting, so you can bet I’ll be asking about their progress at the West Seattle Crime Prevention meeting next Tuesday. And after that, I’ll be reaching out to Mayor Durkan with some questions, too. I hope others in the area will consider joining me!

        • WSB January 10, 2018 (8:15 pm)

          Checking in the system again tonight, there is an update to the report that has the notation “arrest – felony – followup unit.” I won’t be able to find out who or what for until tomorrow; it’s still a narrative-free publicly visible filing. But I will definitely be asking.

  • Darryll January 11, 2018 (12:47 am)

    Thank you!  Your service is a huge help!

    • WSB January 11, 2018 (3:55 pm)

      The guy who had the gunshot wound was arrested and booked for unlawful firearm possession.

    • Lindsey January 11, 2018 (4:38 pm)

      Make sure you mention this to the sponsors of the WSB every chance you get.

Sorry, comment time is over.