West Seattle Crime Watch: Gunfire investigation

11:02 PM: Thanks for the texted tips about gunfire heard in eastern West Seattle. This time there was a scanner report too, reportedly a bullet through a window in the 4700 block of 21st SW. No report of injuries. We’re headed out to find out more.

11:24 PM UPDATE: We found officers searching right where 21st and 22nd SW meet [map]. They confirm one gunshot hit a house there; they haven’t yet found casings from the other shots multiple 911 callers reported hearing.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: Finally obtained the report narrative from police. Here’s the full transcription of what an officer wrote and filed:

I responded to shots fired (in the 4700 block of) 21 Av Sw. The call read as follows, “CALLER JUST HEARD 7 SHOTS, SOUNDED LIKE THEY WERE MOVING FROM SOUTH TO NORTH, NO VEH(ICLE) HEARD, THOUGH.”

I made contact with (victim), advised (victim) he was being audio recorded. (He) stated he was sitting in his office, which was on the south side of the house on the second story. (He) stated while he was on the
computer he heard several gunshots outside of his residence. (He) stated one bullet hit his window, and missed his head by a couple of inches.

(He) led me inside his residence, where I saw a bullet hole in the plastic framing on the wíndow. (He) stated he was sitting in the chair right next to where the bullet went throuqh. I observed a bullet hole in the closet, through the closet wall, and in the room behind the office, the bullet was located. The bullet was located in a small bedroom, behind the door. The bullet was taken into evidence.

Officers photographed the scene and the photos were uploaded … Three bullet casings were located outside of (the) residence, in the roadway, and near trees. There was a bullet hole in a nearby tree as well. The bullet casings were 9mm. (The victim) stated he did not see a vehicle, and did not see the gunman. We were unable to get any description or direction of travel.

SPD Gang Unit responded to the scene. SGT. Unger responded to the scene. The bulÌets were packaged and submitted into evidence.

Moose April 28, 2016 (12:49 pm)

So sad and very frustrating! Gun shots are heard no less then twice a week around here. It's been going on for over a year.

sam-c April 28, 2016 (1:48 pm)

Has there been any follow up information?

what side of the street was house hit ? was it one of the new houses on the west side, or was it one of the houses on the east side where 21st splits off from 22nd?

WSB April 28, 2016 (1:57 pm)

The house was on the east side, according to Patrick, who talked to police while I idled down the block (sometimes late-night breaking news coverage happens that way). I am trying to find an incident number so I can ask SPD for the report.
- WSCommuter April 29, 2016 (1:11 pm)
  
  4/28/2016 12:16:54 AM
  PROPERTY DESTRUCTION
  
  CAD Event Number: 16000146305
  
  47XX BLOCK OF 21 AV SW
  
  Final Call Type Category: PROPERTY DAMAGE
  
  RMS Police Report Filed – 4/27/2016 10:51:00 PM
  GO Number: 2016146305
  Occurred Date: 4/27/2016 10:51:00 PM
  Offenses: WEAPON-DISCHARGE, PROPERTY DAMAGE-RESIDENTIAL
  View Police Report (Registration Required)
  - WSB April 29, 2016 (1:14 pm)
    
    Yes, I requested the report yesterday, found that number. As of day’s end it was “still in transcription.” Renewing request today, have been a little busy including breaking news just now.
    - WSB April 29, 2016 (4:34 pm)
      
      And finally at Friday’s end I have it and have added the transcription above – since we just started traffic coverage and otherwise it would be a few more hours before I’d be able to publish it.

Jamie April 28, 2016 (4:50 pm)

I saw what I think was a shell casing on 23rd Ave sw in between Delridge and Willow. Is that close to where the shootings were heard?

Alan April 29, 2016 (11:44 am)

That is about a mile and a half away from the known shots and is on the wrong side of Delridge. Brass shell casings are pretty obviously that, so did you see something shiny or did you actually see a casing? There have been shootings down in that area.

JCM April 29, 2016 (11:27 am)

I heard it in North Admiral near Sunset Ave. There were several shots. I thought it was fireworks, since every other time I thought I heard shots it was fireworks.

Sorry, comment time is over.