UPDATE: Police check out reports of possible shots south of West Seattle Junction; fireworks suspected

10:30 PM: We’ve received multiple texts about possible gunfire south of The Junction, heard at points including 5000 block of California SW and 5000 block of Fauntleroy Way. Police have been dispatched to check it out.

10:47 PM: No further word on this so far. If police don’t find evidence of gunfire – a victim, casing(s), damage, or somebody who saw something, it generally gets chalked up as a mystery “noise disturbance.”

11:03 PM: As noted in comments, after two more booms were heard a few minutes ago, one texter called 911 and was told that police have determined someone is shooting off fireworks in the Morgan Junction area.

66 Replies to "UPDATE: Police check out reports of possible shots south of West Seattle Junction; fireworks suspected"

  • Wsres May 19, 2018 (10:33 pm)

    I’m on the 5000 block of 38th and it sounded like fireworks. Sad to say, I know what gunshots in the neighborhood sound like. 

  • Neighbor May 19, 2018 (10:33 pm)

    Heard the shots clear as day from Fauntleroy and Juneau, 2 close together echoed throughout the neighborhood. Then silence. Now sirens. 

    • WSB May 19, 2018 (10:35 pm)

      The sirens are unrelated. There was a driver-vs-pedestrian collision at about the same time at California/Fauntleroy. Ped not seriously injured but going to hospital via AMR to be checked out.

  • Grace May 19, 2018 (10:34 pm)

    It sounded more like a firework than a gun shot IMO from the Strata on California Apartments. 

    • Theresa May 19, 2018 (10:36 pm)

      We just heard what sounded like a gunshot in admiral. Really loud!

  • Savannah May 19, 2018 (10:37 pm)

    2 very loud distinctive shots (or fireworks?) is what we heard about ~15 minutes ago just a bit west of California Ave. SW in the Seaview area (6000).

  • Jon Wright May 19, 2018 (10:38 pm)

    I just assumed it was fireworks, too (I’m a few blocks SW of Junction).

  • Sj May 19, 2018 (10:38 pm)

    We are on Raymond and heard fireworks. 

  • Jake May 19, 2018 (10:38 pm)

    47th and Findlay here. Heard two loud bangs what seemed to be very close about a second apart from each other. Sounded too deep to be a mortor (Fireworks). Drove around my immediate area and couldn’t see a thing out of place. 

  • Jon May 19, 2018 (10:39 pm)

    It sounded as if someone had set off a string of Black Cats. Shortly after, there were two larger explosions. Probably just fireworks.

  • WSNeighbor May 19, 2018 (10:40 pm)

    Heard a very loud “boom” after what sounded like gunfire close by on 42nd south of the Junction.

  • Another Neighbor May 19, 2018 (10:40 pm)

    I also thought it sounded like fireworks from 49th and Brandon.

  • savoirfaire May 19, 2018 (10:47 pm)

    I heard the same as Jon, from 47th & Raymond.  Of course my first thought was to check the blog–thanks, WSB!

  • lvbebe May 19, 2018 (10:47 pm)

    In Seaview at 45/Juneau and heard the same booms as the others have noted. Didn’t hear the sizzle we’d expect frok fireworks and were wondering the same thing. 

  • Trent T May 19, 2018 (10:47 pm)

    Heard them all the way down by gatewood elementary.

  • Red May 19, 2018 (10:47 pm)

    I drove by Morgan Junction, saw an ambulance and a gurney being set up while personnel were gathered around someone on the ground. It was probably gunshots, folks.

    • WSB May 19, 2018 (10:50 pm)

      No, that was the pedestrian who got hit by a driver at California/Fauntleroy, which I mentioned upthread. (Injuries not major; they’re going to the hospital via AMR.) No shooting victim(s) anywhere.

      • Red May 19, 2018 (10:59 pm)

        Thanks for the clarification!

        I did just hear two more weird popping sounds (wasn’t in the neighborhood for the first two). Didn’t really sound like gunshots.

  • OregonJunction May 19, 2018 (10:51 pm)

    At 10:19pm heard two deep gunshot-like noises from SW Oregon & California. Agree that they sounded deeper than fireworks.

    • Jon May 19, 2018 (10:59 pm)

      Gunshots aren’t that “deep” unless you’re in an enclosed space and firing a high-pressure load.

  • Brian H May 19, 2018 (10:54 pm)

    We heard them at 41st and Brandon… sounded like fireworks.  M80s… something boomy.  Gunshots sound different…

  • Jon May 19, 2018 (10:57 pm)

    Two more. Fireworks, for sure.

  • Jake May 19, 2018 (10:57 pm)

    Did anyone just hear two more? Must be fireworks if that’s the case 

  • Kristina May 19, 2018 (10:57 pm)

    I have my window open and just heard two more. 45th and Brandon, two loud booms. 

    With the all the news of shootings at schools, my nerves are shot.

  • WSNeighbor May 19, 2018 (10:58 pm)

    Two more loud pops/booms sounding like they’re coming across and down the street from Dawson and California.

  • Morgan junction May 19, 2018 (10:58 pm)

    Just heard two more noises that sounded like gunshots near Morgan junction. 

  • BlogFan May 19, 2018 (10:58 pm)

    More of the same sounds heard near 6000 Calif Ave around 10:55 PM – husband thinks shotgun, but sounds like fireworks to me

  • Maris May 19, 2018 (10:58 pm)

    Hmmm, I just heard two more explosion like noises at 10:55. I am at Edmunds and 41st

  • savoirfaire May 19, 2018 (10:58 pm)

    Just heard two more from 47th and Raymond. Sounded closer than the previous two.

  • Matthieu May 19, 2018 (10:59 pm)

    Just heard 2 loud bangs a minute ago, I leave 2 blocks of Alaska junction

  • WSeaLion May 19, 2018 (10:59 pm)

    2 more in the exact same sequence as the first 2 just went off. It’s definitely coming from 48th and Juneau/Findlay or just a bit further west. 

  • LK May 19, 2018 (10:59 pm)

    2 more, about 2 minutes ago. We’re at 46th & Erskine. Didn’t sound like gunfire to me, though. 

  • Savannah May 19, 2018 (10:59 pm)

    2 more — @10:56pm — Seaview area.

    • Silly goose May 19, 2018 (11:06 pm)

      Both times silver car

  • Kate K May 19, 2018 (11:01 pm)

    At 10:57 heard what sounded like two quick succession gunshots   I’m at 47th Ave SW/Genesee and sounded a little north of here. 

    • WSB May 19, 2018 (11:02 pm)

      We advised someone else who texted us about the most recent booms to call 911 – they did and were told that police say someone in the Calif/Fauntleroy area is shooting off fireworks.

      • Ma so May 19, 2018 (11:05 pm)

        Am at 42nd ave sw and Alaska just heard 2 gunshots 

      • Brian H May 19, 2018 (11:07 pm)

        That makes sense – if they are aerials, they would seem close to all of us.

  • Brian H May 19, 2018 (11:01 pm)

    Just heard two more… close together. Sounded like Findlay/41st/42nd to me… I see Kate’s commend above… wow – weird how sound travels.

  • Brooke May 19, 2018 (11:02 pm)

    I heard them too. Two distinct shots close together. I heard this twice, about 30(?) minutes apart. I agree that it sounded deeper than fireworks. I live in Seaview on 49th near Hudson street.

  • Silly goose May 19, 2018 (11:02 pm)

    It just happened again 2 shots 45th and Graham 

  • Wsres May 19, 2018 (11:04 pm)

    More fireworks, I feel like I could see them it’s so close. It’s Definitely not gunshots, it’s way too boomy, not metallic at all. I bet theirs being blown off right in the middle of 5000 block Fauntleroy, sounds like it’s in my backyard. 

  • S May 19, 2018 (11:04 pm)

    Just called 911. Some jerks within a block of us set off two m80’s in succession ~ 5 min ago. 48th/Findlay. 

  • Terry Smith May 19, 2018 (11:23 pm)

    37th and Raymond here.

    I have absolutely nothing to add.

  • SKORT May 19, 2018 (11:30 pm)

    I was walking my dog near 45th and Dawson and saw them in the sky before I heard them, probably less than a block or two away. Definitely fireworks, and big ones!

    • Friendly neighbor May 20, 2018 (12:26 am)

      I believe the 10:20ish ones weren’t fireworks but 11pm sound very much like fireworks

  • Friendly neighbor May 20, 2018 (12:24 am)

    My significant other is former military (infantry) when he started lurking around the windows to check surroundings i knew that my intuition was right it was not fireworks amd i should be concerned.(46th ave and alaska)  

  • Derp May 20, 2018 (12:40 am)

    Anyone use logic or common sense anymore?

    Have you ever heard of ANYONE firing off JUST two shots anywhere but in a movie or by sheer accident? 

    If it was accidental and anyone was hurt, they are going to report it themselves if need be. 

    Jeebus.  

  • momosmom May 20, 2018 (4:27 am)

    @Jake at 10:38 posting …why if you thought they were gunshots would you go driving around looking for them unless of course you are a police officer?

    And I must say least we know everyone in WS has very good hearing.

    • sigh May 20, 2018 (8:31 am)

      momosmom:

      Why not drive around if you’re curious or concerned?   They hear strange or suspicious sounds in their neighborhood–damn straight they can go out, or would you prefer people get scared from ‘possible’ gunshot noises and just barricade themselves inside?

      Plenty of people care, and not everyone is afraid.  Besides, did you think that if they were gunshots, maybe somebody was hurt?   

      As for the good hearing, it’s a simple case of self-selection bias, but I’m sure you knew that.

      • Jake May 20, 2018 (9:45 am)

        Yes. 

      • Bob May 20, 2018 (9:59 am)

        I had the same thought as momos. I hope Jake doesn’t have a gun. Kids get shot by citizens taking things into their own hands. 

    • chemist May 20, 2018 (9:26 am)

      I heard at least three distinct groupings of booms/noises related to this, several blocks west of our recent eviction site.  It really didn’t take any special hearing ability.

      No “sizzle” like most fireworks, just loud booms.

  • anonyme May 20, 2018 (9:24 am)

    I find it interesting that SPD has a policy of not enforcing fireworks violations, and yet are constantly being called out for reports of gunshots that turn out to be fireworks.   If the law were actually enforced, perhaps there would be less confusion.

  • momosmom May 20, 2018 (10:11 am)

    @sigh… I for one am not afraid, I don’t let these idiots scare me and go hide in a corner I go on with my life and let the Police do what they’re trained and there for but I am not stupid either thinking I can  go out and look for whoever presumably was shooting a gun, if they’re dumb enough to shoot a gun at someone or just randomly shoot what makes you think they won’t shoot at you once you confront them?

    And why would you be curious? Do you want to come up on maybe seeing a dead person!?!?! Yes it’s the right thing to do, help, but that is what 911, SPD and the Medics are trained for. 

    • sigh May 20, 2018 (11:02 am)

      Who said Jake was going out to look for whoever was shooting?  Who said there even was a gun?  If there was a gun, who said they were shooting at people, let alone “randomly” shooting at people?  Who said Jake was going to “confront them”?  You’re just going off the rails making up hypotheticals.

      And why would you be curious?”

      Are you serious?  THIS VERY THREAD IS ENTIRELY FILLED WITH PEOPLE WHO WERE CURIOUS!

  • Hearit May 20, 2018 (10:29 am)

    I heard it over at the club. It was a kinda Boom! Boom! Boom! lets go back to my room. 

  • M May 20, 2018 (10:50 am)

    I heard it from Admiral area. It sounded like fireworks to me.

  • momosmom May 20, 2018 (12:14 pm)

    See… Jake confirmed is a police officer so exactly as I stated, he is trained and had every reason to go out and “check it out”.

    @Sigh are you an officer, if so then you had every reason to go out too?? 

    • sigh May 20, 2018 (3:12 pm)

      I have no idea what you’re talking about re Jake being a police officer. 

      And no, I am not a police officer.  I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t hear any commotion over by where I live, because according to you I wouldn’t be allowed to go check it out!

      I am appalled that you think only police officers should be able to go out and check on their neighbors and neighborhood if they hear suspicious sounds!  What a sad world you must live in to be so scared you’d not only never investigate anything by yourself but also chastise people who care enough to do so.  

      What if you heard yelling and screaming?  You’d hide inside and wait for the police to arrive?  Not me!  I’d be out there in a flash–because, goddamnit, it’s my neighborhood and I care about it and the people in it!

      Your continued puzzlement at why someone might want to find out what’s going on in their neighborhood makes me sad for you.

  • momosmom May 20, 2018 (2:03 pm)

    OMG Sigh I am done talking to you but this is why I mentioned Jake going out and looking and the majority of the people posting thought it was gunfire.

    • JAKE MAY 19, 2018 (10:38 PM)

      47th and Findlay here. Heard two loud bangs what seemed to be very close about a second apart from each other. Sounded too deep to be a mortor (Fireworks). Drove around my immediate area and couldn’t see a thing out of place. 

    Everyone be safe and have a great rest of your weekend!

    • sigh May 20, 2018 (3:48 pm)

      You clearly weren’t done talking to me, but okay.

      You seem confused by our exchanges, so here is a recap.  You wrote this:

      @Jake at 10:38 posting …why if you thought they were gunshots would you go driving around looking for them unless of course you are a police officer?”

      And I thought that was a silly stance to take and called you out.  The rest has fallen from that.  I doubt I’ll be able to convince you of anything, but perhaps, at least, you will no longer try to chastise people for monitoring their own neighborhoods.


  • Lola May 20, 2018 (4:34 pm)

    I heard them on 50th & Alaska.  They sounded like fireworks.

  • momosmom May 20, 2018 (5:25 pm)

    I wasn’t chastising anyone, if you read what I wrote I said I wouldn’t go out looking  but I suppose you took me asking why would you go looking as chastising.

    And yes Jake answered my question “are you a police officer” if you look at his comment copied below, least I took it as his answer. 

    Goodbye…have dinner to cook.

    • Herewego May 20, 2018 (6:04 pm)

      Now you’re chastising the police ..?

  • momosmom May 21, 2018 (5:10 am)

    As one person wrote in a different post a while back totally different subject…“other commenters read into other commenters differently than what the commenter is posting” . You can read whatever you want into what I am posting but what you are commenting is not what I am saying.

    When I said “I” I mean “me, myself, and I” not “you. them or those” and as for the police I have the utmost respect for the work they do for us so do not say I am chastising them!

Sorry, comment time is over.