From White Center Now: Triple-shooting investigation closes streets

11:09 AM: On partner site White Center Now, we’re covering a shooting investigation that has closed part of SW 98th just west of 16th SW, and part of 17th SW south of Roxbury. Shots were heard around 5:30 am – reported by just one 911 caller – and then three victims showed up at a hospital. We’ll continue to add updated information on WCN; the street closures are likely to continue much of the day, KCSO tells us.

5:08 PM: Just went back to check; the streets have reopened.

Bradley June 23, 2019 (3:40 pm)

3 people hit, 2 critically, by a flurry of DOZENS of shots and only ONE person called 911?

WSB June 23, 2019 (5:14 pm)

Not a lot of residences there, so not so many to hear, except to the west.
- Bradley June 23, 2019 (9:56 pm)
  
  Makes sense if it was in a non-residential area.
- Mike June 24, 2019 (5:38 am)
  
  Not a lot of residences there? Looking on a satellite map, you only need walk 1 or 2 streets over and you are at multiple homes.
  - WSB June 24, 2019 (6:31 am)
    
    Don’t need a satellite map; we go through that area often. Yes, there’s a residential area a few blocks west. In the immediate area – downtown White Center – unlike say The Junction, Morgan Junction, etc. – a shortage of residential units. The buildings are mostly just commercial.
    - Mike June 25, 2019 (7:18 am)
      
      I’m there often too. Eat there, shop there, thats the main Auto parts store I’d go to.
  - Bradley June 24, 2019 (1:37 pm)
    
    We also have to keep in mind that this is fireworks season and strings of small explosions at night are normal this time of year.
WC June 23, 2019 (6:08 pm)

I feel terrible. I heard this happening, but it didn’t sound like gunshots to me so I didn’t call it in. Partly because the pops WERE in such rapid succession, but now it makes sense if it was multiple weapons firing at once. I’m a person who errs on the side of calling if I’m not sure, but it really didn’t sound at all like gunshots at all from where I live . Sorry to the victims of this shooting. :(
Swede. June 23, 2019 (7:53 pm)

Three easons I can see:* People can’t distinguish between gun shots and fire crackers. * Fairly low residential area AND really early a Sunday morning. * Shootings are so common there now so, just another one.

buttercup June 23, 2019 (5:25 pm)

Just saw the new on channel 4 that the Hookah lounge at the shooting location was swarmed by the ATF in response to the shooting. Happened earlier this afternoon. Surprised not reported here or White Center news. So glad the White Center Commerce cancelled their sidewalk that was planned for today. Anyone know when it’s rescheduled for?

WSB June 23, 2019 (5:45 pm)

We have been to the area three times today. Don’t have the staff to just hang around all day (TV was hanging around to do live shots), which is why we appreciate community collaboration. Tips are why we heard about it this morning in the first plac, but nobody tipped us about any ATF showup later if that’s true (they could have been assisting in the investigation – there’s no mention of it in that station’s online story so I have no way to assess but will check with KCSO). – TR
- WSB June 23, 2019 (7:22 pm)
  
  Update, Sgt. Abbott checked with detectives and they told him that was their TAC 30 (SWAT) team serving a search warrant.

Mike June 23, 2019 (8:54 pm)

It is nice to see the WSN permit comments unlike the gutless Seattle Times! Thanks WSB for not being like the Seattle Times!

buttercup June 23, 2019 (9:09 pm)

Thanks, my bad. Interesting to see that the lounge was possibly included. Arrested quite a few people inside it.

DB Coop June 23, 2019 (10:23 pm)

I heard it this morning but thought it was fireworks. The shootings are getting ridiculous around here.

KT June 24, 2019 (8:15 am)

It’s also that time of the year where White Center will be inundated with people shooting off fireworks…it usually starts the late June and goes through mid July. Sigh.