(SCROLL DOWN for newest info – we’ll update this throughout the day)
(Photo from WSB reader KD: Route 120 bus with bullet holes in windshield)
9:15 AM: This is a developing story downtown, and it’s affecting traffic off the Viaduct, so we’ll be tracking it separately after a brief mention in traffic coverage: Police report a Metro bus driver was shot downtown; this is a multi-scene investigation, and one scene is near 2nd and Seneca.
(WSB reader photo: Part of the scene downtown, in the 2nd/3rd/Seneca/University area)
According to radio traffic, the shooting suspect then was shot by police. And an officer is also being treated for a minor injury, either from being grazed by a bullet, or from broken glass. Streets affected include 2nd/University/Seneca so far. More to come.
9:24 AM UPDATE: We’re still awaiting word from Metro with details on the affected buses. One WSB reader has texted to say a Route 120 bus was involved and passengers are being held to give statements to police. Police say the driver, 67 years old, was shot at 3rd and Union; the suspect is reported to have then gotten on another bus and police shot him at 2nd and Seneca.
9:32 AM UPDATE: The 120 passenger we’re hearing from says it’s hard to recall what happened among “lots of chaos,” but “somebody was pounding on the front door” of their bus.
9:49 AM UPDATE: Thanks to KD for the photo of the Route 120 bus that was involved, added atop this story. Here’s what SPD Blotter has just posted, saying (as a commenter notes) that the driver was shot on a Route 27 bus. It appears the suspect was subsequently trying to get into the 120 bus, which would correlate with our earlier tipster’s report that “the driver saved (us).”
10:08 AM: Metro has sent an alert that Route 120 and RapidRide D (post-C) are having reroutes downtown because of this. Meantime, some links for citywide coverage:
Seattle Times (WSB partner)
KING5.com
KIROTV.com
10:37 AM: Ari G texted that many buses downtown are being rerouted onto 1st and you might find yourself having to flag one down. Meantime, SPD has just updated its report, including this information on conditions, including at least two more people reported hurt, and the latest on how the investigation is affecting things downtown:
The 67-year-old Metro driver’s injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.
The suspect—who is in his 30′s or 40′s—is in critical condition and is being transported to Harborview.
A 32-year-old officer also sustained minor injuries in the incident, possibly from broken glass, and was taken to Harborview.
A second officer, who is in his 50s, was also taken to Harborview for treatment for a medical condition.
Finally, a female passenger sustained minor bruising while evacuating the second bus.
Police are actively working to process a very complicated series of crime scenes, and traffic throughout downtown will likely be significantly impacted today due to necessary street closures.
For downtown workers looking to get back in their offices: If your office is blocked off by police tape, please contact an officer near the police line, provide work ID if possible, and ask to pass through to your office.
11:29 AM UPDATE: First, the latest on the shot bus driver, via Twitter:
Executive Constantine says the injured bus driver wants everyone to know he is going to be OK. -Staff pic.twitter.com/xVnLVDOceP
— Dow Constantine (@kcexec) August 12, 2013
Also, police have clarified that the suspect did get aboard that second bus (the Route 120 coach pictured above) before they shot him – they have again updated their SPD Blotter story here.
12:59 PM UPDATE: County and city authorities (SPD, Metro, etc.) plan a 2 pm media briefing on all aspects of this situation. The county is hoping to make a live stream available. KING tells us they plan to stream it. Will link stream(s) here when links are available, and will update the info as it happens.
2:02 PM UPDATE: Go here for live coverage and briefing notes.
3:03 PM UPDATE: If you’re checking here for PM commute information: Metro says, “Most transit service has resumed normal operations.” If any changes to that, they’ll have it on their site.
4:27 PM UPDATE: Making note of this on all of our coverage pages related to this – just tweeted by SPD: “Streets reopened downtown. 2nd Ave still closed between Spring and University but should be opening shortly.”
5 PM UPDATE: SPD says the suspect has died. Meantime, police, SDOT and Metro all confirm streets/buses are back to normal.
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