Update: Man shot in the leg in High Point, police search under way

| High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(First two photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
3:44 PM: Police and fire are responding to a report of a man shot in the leg near 30th SW and High Point Drive SW. Officers are with him and SFD medics are arriving. Updates to come.

3:57 PM: The victim is an 18-year-old man described as having a small-caliber-handgun wound through the back of his calf. He’s on the way to the hospital. No arrest reported yet. According to our crews on the scene, it’s actually in the southeast part of High Point, near the 30th/Sylvan area where Forest Lawn has its headquarters building.

4:12 PM: Via SPD Blotter, here’s what police are saying:

Officers began receiving calls just after 3:30 p.m. Friday of a fight involving up to 20 people in the 3000 block of High Point Way SW. Officers rushed to the scene and found an 18-year-old that had been shot in the leg. Witnesses pointed officers towards a group of people who had made their way through a cemetery and disappeared. … Officers continue to scour the area looking for the suspect in this case. The only description provided of the shooter is a black male, 5-foot-8, 150 pounds wearing a red shirt. Officers are asking anyone who spots the suspect to call 911 immediately.

According to radio communication, police believe they have found the (or a) gun in the area.

(This photo and next by WSB’s Christopher Boffoli)
5:21 PM UPDATE: Still no word of an arrest. The aforementioned gun can be seen in the photo above, under a car. Though only one victim has been confirmed at this point, multiple shots were fired, indicated by the markers:

RPH September 19, 2014 (3:54 pm)

3:35 Out on my bike, a block away, I heard three shots, rode up on the scene, lots of cops already on scene, might’ve been there prior to shots? Huge response for a single victim.

Jeff Engelhardt September 19, 2014 (3:54 pm)

Looks like a Kiro 7 chopper hovering over high point now.

New in HP September 19, 2014 (3:55 pm)

We were driving by on High Point Drive (HPD) just as a police car arrived at 30th and High Point Drive. Within about 30 seconds of the police car arriving, we heard 3 shots while waiting at the stop sign down the block at HPD and Morgan. Not sure who did the shooting, but police were on the scene.

anonthistyme September 19, 2014 (3:56 pm)

Really glad I don’t live in that area anymore. Walked along Brandon near the golf course last week and found a shell casing in the street!

west seattle codger September 19, 2014 (3:58 pm)

Helo circling the area. I can’t tell if it’s TV news or Guardian from the Sheriff’s office. Fading away now

buzzing overhead September 19, 2014 (4:03 pm)

Is this what the helicopters are for?

trickycoolj September 19, 2014 (4:03 pm)

Chopper is over the cemetery. 2 blocks from my house. Came home from work just now early because I didn’t feel good. Now feel worse.

Erika September 19, 2014 (4:03 pm)

Channel 7 helicopter circling over the area near the water tower park.

West Seattle Mapes September 19, 2014 (4:04 pm)

KIRO 7 was over Holden and 26th.

A. September 19, 2014 (4:04 pm)

It is above my house. It’s KIRO 7.

WSB September 19, 2014 (4:05 pm)

Yes, it’s a TV chopper. Haven’t heard Guardian One involved in the search yet. Anything before about 6:45 on a weeknight, you’ll likely get one of the TV choppers.

trickycoolj September 19, 2014 (4:07 pm)

Sounds like an air show at 30th and Morgan.

huh September 19, 2014 (4:12 pm)

Sealth has shelter in place

WSB September 19, 2014 (4:15 pm)

Hopefully not too many people left on (Sealth) campus, since school was out an hour ago … football game at SWAC tonight but not until 7. However, that’s more than 2 miles away from where the shooting happened.

Robin September 19, 2014 (4:14 pm)

FYI – kids at stem after school / YMCA / arbor heights after school programs are in the school and not out on the playground. Just for parents who might be worried.

M September 19, 2014 (4:15 pm)

That explained the sirens I heard when I picked my kids up at school.

trickycoolj September 19, 2014 (4:19 pm)

Listening to the scanner they seem to know who they are looking for.

Sealth mom September 19, 2014 (4:32 pm)

All the fall athletes (soccer, cross country, swimming…) are at school still sheltering in place.

c September 19, 2014 (4:43 pm)

High Point community center and Schmitz Park afterschool programs are sheltering in place

RJB September 19, 2014 (4:49 pm)

I often see groups of young men all dressed in red colors back on the Longfellow creek trail just behind the High Point housing development and behind Camp Long. Seems like an organized group that holds regular “meetings” back there, usually right around when school lets out. I hope the police sweep that area and the cemetery for hidden guns.

sam-c September 19, 2014 (4:50 pm)

are ALL the soccer practices from High Point playfields ‘sheltering’ ? ymca, olg, etc

K September 19, 2014 (4:51 pm)

I feel so old saying this. I am 42 yrs and don’t know if it matters, but, as I am watching the news tonight and reading the WSB… I am asking “What are these dummies thinking?” They are soooo young to throw there life away. It is pretty sad. I wouldn’t even go into the topic of their parents because it really doesn’t matter. What is done is done. They are there or they are not. Move on from the topic. Maybe peer group and times are different than back when I was a kid. Back in my day…. lol. Won’t start. It’s tragic… these kids doing big crimes. Sad.
An uncle in my family was a lifelong petty criminal who ended up passing away in San Quentin, from unnatural ways, about 40 years ago. I guess some things never change. I support community involvement and support of kids… it might help.
Poor kids.

AmyLynn September 19, 2014 (4:52 pm)

I just rushed to meet my kids at 29th and High Point. They walk along Sylvan/High Point on the way home from Denny/Sealth. They had just walked past the police tape off area. They won’t be walking anymore…

Jolie September 19, 2014 (4:53 pm)

SPD reports the witness identifies the suspect as Asian.

WSB September 19, 2014 (5:15 pm)

Jolie, citation? SPD Blotter has not changed the description published in its report, which is what we featured in the blue box above. http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2014/09/19/24451 – nor have we heard anything different via scanner/scene/Twitter/etc. P.S. Adding updated photos from our crews.

MK September 19, 2014 (4:55 pm)

Pathfinder K-8 at Cooper has been shelter in placing for about an hour. Students are allowed to leave the childcare and school with an adult and must go directly to their cars.

Rick September 19, 2014 (6:02 pm)

“Just click your heels together 3 times and repeat after me; summer of safety,summer of safety,summer of safety”.

glenda September 19, 2014 (6:09 pm)

I am concerned about the lack of coverage. I live in Highpoint and know the rep it has. Why would SPD say “it’s unlikely they would escape through the cemetery”. Sorry, what I get is the suspect is still on the loose, and SPD is already ruling out a very great escape route. Why?

Eric September 19, 2014 (6:10 pm)

RBJ,

I don’t doubt it. I once pointed out seeing this also in the High Point area only to be told kids will be kids and something about the “real” world.

The police need to deal with these wannabe gang bangers while they can still be proactive rather than letting it get out of hand and merely become reactive.

There’s the same kind of issue in the Westwood/Highland area.

trickycoolj September 19, 2014 (6:23 pm)

And Naturally SHA’s security was reduced after Labor Day. Thanks for the support SHA.

Fedup September 19, 2014 (6:46 pm)

It’s pretty plain to see for some time now that Red is a common color displayed amongst the youth hanging around High Point / 35th & Morgan. Where is SPD? Gang Unit????? This is getting really old.

WSB September 19, 2014 (6:53 pm)

Glenda, what are you quoting? SPD said a group DID run through the cemetery (see above).
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Also, if you’re interested in what SPD has to say about gangs. Color of clothing is addressed, briefly.
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https://westseattleblog.com/2014/06/what-should-you-know-about-gangs-heres-what-the-west-seattle-block-watch-captains-network-heard-tonight/

ES September 19, 2014 (7:31 pm)

Lovely, shootings going on semi regularly around us, sirens at least once a day and daily calls for fire trucks or police at the DESC building. It feels like all the hard work the delridge and high point neighbors have put in over the years to create a strong community is being wiped out overnight.

drahcir61 September 19, 2014 (8:00 pm)

I don’t understand why so many people are against public surveillance cameras. They do deter crime & they obviously help identify the hoodlums.
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Put up a few in “trouble” areas & see what kind of results you get in 6 months. The police know the areas where they would be best utilized.
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This insanity in our neighborhoods must end.

JoAnne September 19, 2014 (8:05 pm)

My grandma is in that cemetery. They need to put up some kind of fence. It’s outrageous that thugs can just run over people’s graves like that.
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I’ll bet every last one of those kids has a previous offense. The police arrest them, but judges let them go. I guess that’s OK, since the criminals won’t be running loose in the elitist liberal judge’s neighborhood.

sam-c September 19, 2014 (8:07 pm)

control F- this is the quote I saw about ‘color’ in the linked article.

“And his reminder: Don’t look at the color of skin or the clothes – look at the behavior – in protecting yourself and assessing risk. Don’t be a victim. Don’t look like a victim. Choose when you’re going to go out. ”

but , whatever, whenever I see 3 or more kids waiting at the bustop and ALL of them are wearing only Red and black, yeah, I assume they are in a gang. I see this all the time. boys, girls, teens, whatever. I assume they are in a gang. but, since I am NOT in a rival gang, I assume I’m safe. whatever. And the article is interesting. even if they didn’t FIND anyone….. I don’t know what all the ‘shelter in place’ is about. I assume that half the people walking around west seattle are carrying guns, legal or not. I assume that people who just SHOT someone won’t be displaying their gun all over the place. it’s the other ones (vigilantes, members of the rival gang) that I would be worried about….

Bridge to Somewhere September 19, 2014 (9:01 pm)

What kind of coward shoots someone in the leg (with three shots fired–what an ace shooter) and runs? Not just a thug, but a cowardly little boy with very little going for himself and no ability to make good choices. Enjoy prison and/or the morgue,

G September 19, 2014 (9:09 pm)

Nothing will change. The SPD is cemented into old patterns and I doubt a new police chief will make a difference. Always plenty of cops at “dangerous” public celebrations, though.

Tbone September 19, 2014 (9:54 pm)

Yuck. Hope the victim is OK. Always left wondering who wins in this $#!t game they play. I hope these people get a real life someday.

Milo September 20, 2014 (2:21 am)

“Nothing will change. The SPD is cemented into old patterns and I doubt a new police chief will make a difference. Always plenty of cops at “dangerous” public celebrations, though.”

…Can’t pass up any opportunity to bash the Evil Empire can you G?….There’s that whole middle east thing you can throw in there while you’re chumming as well.

Kavaii September 20, 2014 (7:47 am)

My real concern is for all the kids that live and play near this unit! SHA needs to get these people out ASAP

trickycoolj September 20, 2014 (9:11 am)

The irritating thing is that our resource officer who spent regular time in HP recognizing and keeping tabs on the trouble makers is the officer that was suspended for connections (buying testosterone) from that creep sheriff in King County. Can’t say I’ve noticed any support from his backfill either.

Mike September 20, 2014 (9:11 am)

People on here keep refering to this group as a bunch of kids. The person who was shot is 18, that’s adult age. Any of the people who were part of this group who are 18+ need to be charged as adults. These are not kids, these are adults, keep that in mind. Youth I’d support getting them help at home and provide better methods to keep them from becoming these people. Once they hit 18, they can either go to jail or join the military and ship them to Afghanistan and Iraq. I think it would be a great way to give them some perspective on how easy their lives really are here.

Rich September 20, 2014 (9:51 am)

Seattle Housing Authority does not move offenders out of the neighborhood. They allow them to use their rental home as a base for their activity. It is a safety risk for all of West Seattle when the city refuses to manage the property and tenants they bring into our neighborhoods.

K September 20, 2014 (9:58 am)

I don’t know about the late teenagers early 20’s kids in this story. But I do know that in my hood I have rewarded kids for bringing back lost dog, hired some for yard work and saying hello to them for years as they grow into young men and women. It might not sound like much… but I do believe that these “kids” are much less likely to cause trouble around me just because I showed a respectable interest in them… It might take time but I think it helps to connect and let them know you are there and you care. Just to be noticed by a good person might have an impact. I have a feeling that these trouble makers are from another neighborhood or no one ever helped them. The behavior is still bad, for sure.

K September 20, 2014 (10:08 am)

And.. @ JoAnne… that is so appalling and disgraceful to think of someone running over your Grandmothers grave. I would like to think that it didn’t happen and they had the respect to run between the graves. I encourage you to think the same. We weren’t there and didn’t see it… so maybe they didn’t walk on her grave. Good way to look at it.
FYI… I would be sickened to hear that someone stood on, ran over or otherwise disrespected my families burial site. But luckily we don’t know that they did…. only that they ran through there. They probably didn’t even touch her grave.

PJ September 20, 2014 (10:16 am)

I’m more concerned about the coyote I saw in the alley this week than this shooting. Let’s move on.

G September 20, 2014 (10:37 am)

Milo,

Evil Empire? Middle East? Chumming? If you’re inferring that I’m anti-cop, I’m not in the least. But we need to keep pressing the SPD so they know how important our safety is.

Eric September 20, 2014 (1:59 pm)

Yes, with the rash of coyote attacks and assaults, robbing people of their cell phones, their money, firing guns into the public with no disregard to public safety I am far more concerned with the coyotes……..end of sarcasm.

KM September 20, 2014 (2:16 pm)

drahcir61

They did this in Western Addition in SF, a neighborhood that had similar and FAR more frequent issues than High Point. Studies a couple of years(?) after the cameras were installed showed that the crime moved to blocks without cameras.

Still wouldn’t consider either neighborhood unsafe for the average, non-gang, non-street-crime-involved citizen, but that’s just me.

k September 20, 2014 (3:12 pm)

A lot of people I know take testosterone including women. Some of work for the city and don’t get the health benefits to cover it. Are you going to put all of us on the news? Regarding testosterone. Me and other healthcare peeps have discussed this particular situation. We are in agreement that if we want to take testosterone it is our right to do so. Some media might make a big deal out of it but give me a break… Are you a Dr? Is SPD a doctor? I think not. If I feel I need it I am going to get what I need, especially if I am a man/ woman supporting my family. Any “organization” that prevents someone from getting the help/ healthcare they believe they need should be sued for a whole bunch of money, just to set an example. who the heck are they to tell us citizens/ or cops what we should do, medically. B*stards!
And sorry, I digress, but I believe a public apology is in order for invading this persons privacy; I also hope that he pursues any lawsuits available to him/ her. It is not right!!!

k September 20, 2014 (3:41 pm)

My friend had a recent eye condition and luckily it was cheaper to get meds via insurance than out right. The meds were dexamethasone in saline. That is technically a hormone (some would call a steroid). He works for the city and I am so glad you weren’t made aware of it…. if he had gotten it cheaper elsewhere he would have been on the news. Nice that he can see. I hope that the Murray camp can consider some of this…. it’s pretty sad. I believe wse have one of the worst police in the county, for various reasons, and you are crucifying one of our best???? Do you really have qualified applicants lining up at the door?

Milo September 20, 2014 (4:01 pm)

Well G if you are not anti-cop then at least try to stay on point with your comments.

…”Where’s the Gang Unit?”

The Gang Unit operates on two separate shifts-days/nights. There are fewer detectives during the day. The volume of gang activity occurs at night so more detectives work at night. The Gang Unit’s detectives have very active case loads. Now in order for them to please The People and make arrests/convictions they have to actually work these cases. Cases don’t get solved and people don’t go to jail when gang detectives drive through your neighborhoods just to make you feel good.
I’m just as concerned, if not more, than the next person about violence and crime. But I’m not so nearsighted as to believe that the upturn of these occurrences {West Seattle} in any way can be likened to other areas in the city.

West Seattle is no where near to being the hub for gang violence as some of these comments suggest.

Bradley September 21, 2014 (12:14 am)

22 years ago I bought a house on 34th SW just a few blocks south of the “old”, slum High Point. Shootings like this happened so often it didn’t even make the news. The police choppers were over it most nights. I lived there through the bull-dosing (thank God) of the old slum and the opening of the new neighborhood. High Point is a million times better now. But the Seattle Housing Authority that still runs some (new) units there needs to do a MUCH better job evicting their dangerous tenants who are living among the hard-working and law-abiding there.

Dunno September 21, 2014 (8:28 am)

Bradley,

Agree with you 100%. Better, but SHA need to get double tough!! If you want to really make a diffence, move here and see what it’s like. Don’t tell me, show me! Come to the crime watch meeting and join the 10-20 of us that do show up! Often fewer. I have friends that moved in, only to take a finacial bath to get out! I love you do gooders here on the blog(not kidding), just need to see more action from you where it really counts! Move to High Point.

Bradley September 21, 2014 (1:31 pm)

@Dunno: no thanks. I did 16 HARD years way too close to High Point!

Jeff Kent September 22, 2014 (12:07 pm)

That alley is right behind our house. We are moving (were actually signing closing docs right when the shooting happened) because of this uncontrolled activity in High Point. The SHA and police have done NOTHING in the 2.5 yrs we were there. Agree on the points about taking action and participating in the solution, however the one thing me, my wife, 7 yr old son and baby on the way havecomete control over us to get the hell out of there….and we are. It’s not getting better,never has and I really hope it will. SHA and the police do NOTHING about it. Don’t even get me started on the illegal drugs and crime activity at the bus stop and mini mart on 35th and Morgan!!!! This little shooting is only a tiny piece of the real problemS of High Point. Good riddance!