UPDATE: Shooting east of The Junction

11:45 PM: Police and fire are responding right now to a shooting near Fauntleroy and Edmunds. Dispatchers reported 911 calls about shots fired, and a possible victim; first responders on the scene found a man reported to have two gunshot wounds. Updates to come.

11:51 PM: Police are trying to sort out exactly where the man was shot – possibly “a block or two east” of where they found him. They’re also looking for a vehicle that might be related, described as a red Ford F-150.

MIDNIGHT: Added the top photo texted by a reader, showing the emergency response outside The Whittaker; texter says they heard “three loud shots.” The victim is being taken to Harborview.

(Added: Reader photo)

12:26 AM: No new information on the investigation. We asked SFD about the victim; spokesperson David Cuerpo says the 22-year-old man is in serious condition.

Fauntleroy and Edmunds October 23, 2020 (11:53 pm)

I heard the 4 shots and was wondering if it was real or not.

Thatonecommenter October 23, 2020 (11:59 pm)

I heard the shots. This is so scary. I hope the victim is ok.

Scott October 24, 2020 (12:00 am)

Doug Benson on Twitter (@Doug_Benson) claims to have witnessed the shooting.

MisterM October 24, 2020 (5:57 pm)

Oh? I had no idea he lived in WS.
Can you please share the tweet? I’d like to check it out. Thanks
- Derek October 26, 2020 (8:19 am)
  
  Not the comedian…lol

J October 24, 2020 (12:17 am)

Saw a tan truck speeding off heading south on Fauntleroy immediately after the shooting. Watched through my window. If it was a Ford F-150, it was an older model. Emergency responders came extremely quick.

Danimal October 24, 2020 (12:35 am)

Please be sure to report that to the police.

Brennan October 24, 2020 (12:20 am)

Live 1-2 blocks north east of location and didn’t hear anything. Think it might be west of Edmunds and Fauntleroy

Danimal October 24, 2020 (12:23 am)

I heard the shots too- definitely four shots from a larger caliber weapon, at least 9mm, likely something larger. Reminded me of the sound of my dad’s .45. I called 911 right away. Angry yelling from nearby followed, eventually somebody yelling angrily “help me,” which jives with the suspect reportedly being uncooperative. There have been a lot of suspicious characters walking and hanging out in the alley east of Fauntleroy lately, and my vehicle has been prowled 4 times in 6 months. That’s not an exaggeration. Lots of package theft at my building too. Be wary of your surroundings everyone!

Natalia October 24, 2020 (12:30 am)

Definitely a larger caliber weapon!!!And yes, crime it’s not getting better around here. I live in the Whittaker, and someone stole ours and our neighbor’s bikes from the security room. Just terrible!!!
- Teran October 24, 2020 (8:26 am)
  
  I live in the Whitaker also and my car has been broken into in our secure garage. It’s crazy! Sorry to hear about your bikes. :(
  - EJ October 24, 2020 (11:21 am)
    
    I lived at Link and my bike was stolen from our “secured” garage. Also saw an uptick in suspicious characters hanging around the RapidRide stops on Alaska and in the alley behind the gas station before I moved out. Grateful to be in a quieter neighborhood now…
JKK October 24, 2020 (1:16 am)

I think you mean west of Fauntleroy. This is where the receiving alley areas are for Whole Foods. I live in the Whittaker and was out with my dog for our last potty walk of the evening. I heard the 4 loud shots. Within a block from where I was. At edmunds and Fauntleroy. So somewhere around there. Could have come from the alley west of Fauntleroy where some arguing took place. Just before the shots. Could have been from the F150 it was red and black. It had a very weird paint job. And was an older model. We called 911 after getting to safety as I feel like I missed getting shot by about 30 seconds. I asked the Whittaker to put up cameras in that alley. There is a lot of illegal dumping and garbage pickers that actually climb in the dumpsters. Cars have been prowled in our locked garage, bikes have been stolen. They do not do anything to detour this behavior and cameras could have gone a long way here. Which I requested they do a long time ago. Anyway. Very scary night. I do hope the victim is ok. But all of this is not ok. The Whittaker needs to do MORE!
- HT October 24, 2020 (8:14 am)
  
  I’ve tried for months and months too to ask for cameras surrounding the property and in the garages, stairwells and alleys. Lots of car prowls around the Whittaker and surrounding streets. I hope the person shot is ok. There might be cameras from the lower level businesses that might have caught something or the car/truck in question. Glad the police and ambulance were so close.
- Guy October 24, 2020 (9:05 am)
  
  I live in Sky apartments and look down on the Masonic center. I was awakened by the yells for “help” then a minute or two by the 4 shots. Although these cries for help and shots sounded like they were in the Masonic parking lot with the way the sound in the area travels it could have been anywhere in the general area. Looking out my window I watched as two vehicles sped out of the lot. I didn’t have my glasses but could easily say the second vehicle was an early-ish 2000 SUV, more than likely black or very dark color, leaving without its lights on. Both cars traveled south down 40th Ave SW. A short moment later a truck (the F-150?) rounded the corner from Fauntleroy and headed west on Edmunds. I would agree with the other person it had an unusual color scheme but again, I was not wearing my glasses.
- Gibby October 24, 2020 (9:08 am)
  
  I live in a condo in the junction, and we get broken into fairly often. Packages stolen out of the mail room, car stolen, cars broken into. We have cameras, and even when there’s an image of the guy, the police do nothing.
- Anna October 24, 2020 (10:03 am)
  
  @HT: did you report the color of the vehicle to the Police?
- freeganism October 24, 2020 (11:10 am)
  
  Really? You’re mentioning likely impoverished hungry people dumpster diving in with people who drive around in trucks shooting people? You may not enjoy seeing that activity, but it’s hardly criminal and certainly not violent or threatening to you. The war on perceived ‘dirty’ homeless folks continues.
- KB October 24, 2020 (1:01 pm)
  
  The “old” Whittaker staff cracked down on things like this. The “new” staff – it’s almost as if they have their heads stuck in the clouds. They do need to do MORE..

AshObserver October 24, 2020 (12:25 am)

Heard the shots and the victim screaming… absolutely terrible! I hope everyone is okay :(

Whittaker Witness October 24, 2020 (12:40 am)

Saw someone (too far to get a description) sprint to and speed away in what appeared to be a blacked out early-mid 2000s Ford Explorer/Expedition with no lights and custom rims take off from the temple parking lot across from the dispensary directly afterward. Police were sweeping the parking lot where it was parked before they left a bit ago.

Westside Curmudgeon October 24, 2020 (12:49 am)

We saw the same vehicle when all this happened! Heard the shots and looked out the window to see it going down the alley with no lights!
Fauntleroy resident October 24, 2020 (1:32 am)

I saw that car too and the man ( appeared African American looking, light blue jeans and black bomber jacket with white stripes)running to the alki masonic temple parking lot…moments later the car you described was speeding off the parking lot along with another vehicle…both speeding…leaving in a hurry. People here are right there’s been too many suspicions individuals hanging around the Whittaker building and Alki Masonic Temple parking lot…especially at night.
Nobody October 24, 2020 (5:51 am)

I just want to echo what people have said about Whittaker. They need to at least put up cameras because there definitely have been seedy characters hanging out in that parking lot near the Masonic lodge. We will likely be moving after the events of tonight. Whittaker just does not give a s–t.
- Dereck October 24, 2020 (2:39 pm)
  
  Just get the tenants to sign a petition. Then they will be put up for sure.
  - Tired of it October 24, 2020 (11:15 pm)
    
    I live in the Whittaker and face that parking lot. I’ve been here since the building opened. The management does nothing… no matter how much I ask for them to take steps to increase safety. They never do anything.
- Tired of it October 24, 2020 (11:16 pm)
  
  Agreed. Whittaker management is horrible.
ttt October 24, 2020 (8:13 am)

Make sure to report that to the police, not just the blog.

Mel October 24, 2020 (2:03 am)

This is too close to home. It’s very concerning with the uptick in crime like this that the city council is still moving forward with a plan to “reallocate” SPD resources. I personally would like a larger police presence in our neighborhood. It’s funny how many people think defunding is a good idea, until the crime starts infiltrating your neighborhood.

WS Mom October 24, 2020 (7:31 am)

This is why we need the police.

Derek October 26, 2020 (8:24 am)

No this is why we need mental health centers. Police do nothing to prevent this, see: last 200 years.

Lee Kellett October 24, 2020 (7:47 am)

We heard 4 shots. Slight delay after first shot then 3 fast shots. Very frightening. We are on 40th – south of Edmunds and hears the shots pretty clearly.

Erithan October 24, 2020 (2:13 pm)

I’ve never heard real gunshots, I thought it was a car backfiring, but this is the exact pattern I heard too, super scary. :(

Mark October 24, 2020 (8:15 am)

Good thing we have a police department to respond. Despite Lisa’s efforts to demoralize the department and chase many of them off – including a great police chief.

LR October 24, 2020 (9:18 pm)

Exactly.

West Seattle Resident October 24, 2020 (8:33 am)

I walk my dog every night after work and there’s always drug deals going down in that big parking lot across from the dispensary on Edmonds. One time this black guy in a tan Mercedes with rims kept circling around and would slow down next to me I think he had me confused but eventually pulled into that big parking lot to meet an suv pretty sure some shady transaction was going down. That parking lot is a mess, I think it would be smart for police to stake that place out maybe bring in some undercovers and get these hooligans off the street. Please get it together city council. We pay our taxes and not all of us want to defund the police, why must we suffer as hard working community members..

Mel October 24, 2020 (10:32 am)

Totally agree! I want more police presence!
Bob Dole October 24, 2020 (10:34 am)

So a black person (with rims because that’s relevant somehow) slowed down next to (maybe mistaking for someone else) and then met another person? And based on that you assume they were doing something shady?

You know, sometimes I walk my dog by this same area, I’m brown and sometimes I even wear a hoodie (gasp). I hope I’m not being profiled for being “shady” too. Next time walk over and say “hi” I promise we’re not scary.

Guilty until proven innocent if you’re black/brown…even in progressive Seattle.
- ej October 24, 2020 (12:41 pm)
  
  I’m not a black or brown person but I had the exact same reaction as you to the above comment. The content in that comment is the reason we have such a divide today. Race is a societal construct. It’s not real. This problem will not dissolve overnight because people who don’t get it cannot change overnight but, wake up people! Maybe the suspect has dark skin. Fine. But that is not the issue here. Someone was shot and someone got away. Period. The color of their skin is irrelevant.
  - Back to ya October 24, 2020 (5:38 pm)
    
    @ej and Bob Dole, first of all you are absolutely right about this being about someone who was shot and not the color of someone’s skin. Someone did get away and how do you suppose that suspect should be described in case anyone saw them? Wearing pants and a sweatshirt with tennis shoes, will that do it? Is it ok to say white? I believe so. The divide is caused by people like you making comments like this. My husband is black and saw nothing wrong with the description of the tan Mercedes with rims. See that describes a vehicle not a person. You and Bob are missing the point.
    - LR October 24, 2020 (9:23 pm)
      
      Agreed. We have a divide because of people so overly and incorrectly sensitive that absolutely no one is allowed to point out what someone looks like!Stop calling everyone racist all the time. It’s outrageous and wrong. It’s making things worse.
      
      I’m black and have absolutely no problem with anyone who happens to describe what someone sketchy looks like. Come on!
Al October 24, 2020 (10:48 am)

I think you are describing the overnight security guard that sits in that parking lot every night.
Jort October 24, 2020 (6:10 pm)

Wait, you’re saying he had “rims” on his car? AND he was black?! Omg 100 percent certain match for drug dealer! This is your authorization to begin immediate freaking out and panicking! Normally I’d advise caution but you said “rims” were involved! Alert! Alert! Scary brown man alert! P.S. thanks for using the code word “hooligans” to describe the black man. It’s so much better now that there’s increased awareness of calling every black person a “thug.”
Derek October 26, 2020 (8:30 am)

Why did you have to mention he was black? Very weird.

East Coast Cynic October 24, 2020 (9:45 am)

Hopefully these crime issues will be brought up in future meetings not just with the precinct commander, but also with defund supporter Herbold.

Anne October 24, 2020 (10:08 am)

Hope that along with sharing your story here-you also share to City Council.

ITotallyAgreeWithYou October 24, 2020 (10:13 am)

To the residents of the Whitaker, Sky, other affected buildings- organize a meeting amongst yourselves and formulate a plan to collectively insist safety measures be implemented by the buildings’ owners. We can lament the lack of police but prevention is number one regardless. A place that is a magnet for shady characters, where escalation of violence is now documented, where it’s unsafe for the residents, and where property loss is a regular occurrence isn’t a place I’d want to live. If the owners want to retain good residents, they need to take action.

Angie October 24, 2020 (1:06 pm)

I live in the Whittaker too (and took this pic). There is so much shady ish going on around us. I’ve seen the same across the street at The Huxley too! With how much we pay to live here, you’d expect us to have more security around! Also, as of 1:05pm there have been no emails from our leasing office about the shooting and what they’re doing to keep us safe. Such BS and I’m so glad I’m moving out of this building.

Tired of it October 24, 2020 (11:19 pm)

I’m with you, Angie. It’s the worst here at the Whittaker.

Peter S. October 24, 2020 (1:23 pm)

Not to hijack this thread, but is there any update on our other nightly “activity” hot spot – the park at 42nd / Alaska?

WSB October 24, 2020 (1:46 pm)

Lora @ WSJA is keeping the pressure on. One week ago a city rep told her they’re still “reviewing” the situation.
- Elle Nell October 24, 2020 (9:44 pm)
  
  Sounds like looki loos… it’s terrible someone was shot and possibly weird activity but to assume WHAT is going on because you think you are a dateline detective is pure immaturity. I think you should move if all you are doing is looking for NON perfections. This city is full of imperfections. We live full lives, look out for each other but also mind our own business and allow others to do the same. And I also pay my taxes and don’t like folks that act better than others. Those are the ones than can move with the quickness, please.
  - Resident October 24, 2020 (11:42 pm)
    
    Wanting a safe neighborhood where you don’t get your stuff stolen is considered high brow by you? What in the hell is this world coming to?!
  - uncle loco October 25, 2020 (7:00 pm)
    
    I’d say that close proximity to stray bullets would make it their business.

Peter S. October 24, 2020 (1:39 pm)

@ EJ and Bob Dole: I understand where you are coming from, but I think we sometimes read too much into such comments which furthers the divide you reference. OP may only have intended to provide a description of car and driver and wasn’t being judgmental. Let’s be honest: “rims” are intended to make the vehicle more distinctive and thus more noticeable. Someone circling and repeatedly pulling up next to me would get my attention too, regardless of driver skin color. Stating facts doesn’t always indicate racism.

ej October 24, 2020 (5:11 pm)

Peter S. I whole heartedly disagree. I don’t take issue with the factual description. facts are facts. I take issue with the comment that followed… “ pretty sure some shady transaction was going down”.
- M October 24, 2020 (7:11 pm)
  
  At midnight loitering around a parking lot, one might reasonably infer a shady transaction. It’s not like they are out there playing canasta.
  - LR October 24, 2020 (9:28 pm)
    
    Yeah. That’s what made it shady. It IS shady.
- Resident October 24, 2020 (11:44 pm)
  
  Yes they said that for good reason. Did you read the description of the activities? Those are not normal and should heighten your awareness.
  - Freeganism October 26, 2020 (11:57 am)
    
    I read that commenters description, and much of it sounds to me like it could have been a food service delivery person. Or just night owl friends meeting up. Who knows maybe there was something ‘shady’ going down. But, the point is, if these individuals were white kids, would it have registered the same for some of you, would it have bothered you as much, and would you be talking about it?
    
    No.
    - Tyr1001 October 27, 2020 (7:34 am)
      
      You realize you are making the exact same generalization that you’re speaking out against correct?In an effort to expose someone’s prejudices, it seems you’ve exposed yours as well.
    - Freeganism October 27, 2020 (8:48 pm)
      
      No, it’s not the same. I’m suggesting there are other explanations for the behavior of driving slowly by and looking at you and circling, that is what delivery drivers do all the time, it’s another possibility to explain the ‘activities.’ Also, people meeting up late at night isn’t indicative necessarily of criminal behavior. There are a lot of different lifestyles, work hours, etc. Just because it’s different from your 9-5 family life, doesn’t mean these people are criminals. Maybe they work late, like work a swing or night shift and socialize late at night. I’m suggesting some people jump to immediate conclusions that have a negative bias with racist undertones, and it’s probably wrong more than you realize, and people should challenge themselves, and think about it.

Janet October 25, 2020 (5:19 pm)

Wow, this is so scary! But…I don’t see what it has to do with your apartment company? I mean, it’s a terrible crime that happened in our neighborhood but I don’t see how that reflects on the building you live in. We do live in a city, don’t pretend everything is safe all of the time. If you don’t like it, accept it, or move far away from the city. I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable if there were tons of cameras all around my building and in the hallways surveilling me. Cameras don’t prevent crimes – everyone is wearing a mask anyway.

Alex October 25, 2020 (6:27 pm)

Amen Janet!

Janet October 25, 2020 (5:20 pm)

I completely agree!

Derek October 26, 2020 (8:33 am)

These comments are all insane. Seriously. I think it’s bad someone was shot but some of you all just want to be a victim. Now people with “rims” and “being black” are considered suspicious??? Get that racist crap off the blog and maybe leave Seattle please? You might like Idaho or Eastern WA.

Sorry, comment time is over.