UPDATE: Man shot at 28th/Andover

3:30 PM: Seattle Police and Fire are responding to the West Seattle Health Club vicinity after a report that a man “walked in and said he’d been shot.” They’re looking for a possible suspect in the area – we don’t have a description yet. Updates to come.

3:38 PM: Police continue looking for the shooter, while medics treat the victim, who is reported to have been shot in the back. No info yet on circumstances, though at least two people in the area tell us via Twitter that they heard shots.

3:45 PM: K9 teams are on the way to help with the search. One officer has said via radio that the shooting was “on the sidewalk.” They’re reviewing security video that shows someone “running westbound on Yancy.”

3:49 PM: Our crew has spoken with SFD at the scene. The victim is a man believed to be about 40. He has multiple gunshot wounds and is being taken to Harborview. Adding scene photos.

3:52 PM: We also confirmed at the scene that the shooting happened north of the club, on the side with the RV emcampment across the street. … The helicopter overhead is the shared TV-news chopper, not law enforcement.

4:11 PM: Police are still searching for the shooter. As noted in comments, this is the second time in a month and a half that someone has been shot in that area. A suspect was arrested and charged in the March shooting and remains in jail. … Police just told dispatch they need to block traffic at 28th/Yancy as their investigation continues.

4:49 PM: They’re still searching actively.

5:12 PM: No arrest yet. But the streets that were closed for the investigation (including SW Yancy) are reopening.

5:58 PM: No further information. Here’s what SPD posted – no details about circumstances, suspect described only as “white male, mid-30s” (see this comment for what was heard over police radio early on; we also heard later mention of the orange sweatshirt with white lettering, possibly DB). We’re still waiting to hear back from SFD about the victim.

155 Replies to "UPDATE: Man shot at 28th/Andover"

  • Alkiholic May 13, 2022 (3:42 pm)

    White male 20-30 5″10″ blue jeans, dark beard, bright color jacket or sweater, handgun right pocket, per the scanner.. Good response on SPD they were hauling down Avalon

    • Youngstown Res May 13, 2022 (4:02 pm)

      Saw a man wearing a bright orange hoodie and a mask yelling and running up Dakota St right after hearing the gunshots

      • Alkiholic May 13, 2022 (4:09 pm)

        Hit up 911 for a descriptive color on the shirt/ hoodie and anything else you can remember.. Time is crucial.. Thanks for participating in trying to take our neighborhood back!!

        • Brian May 13, 2022 (4:27 pm)

          Helicopter just left, I’m at 35th and Avalon. Any news he might be arrested ?

          • WSB May 13, 2022 (4:44 pm)

            No arrest yet. They’re continuing to search.

        • Youngstown Res May 13, 2022 (4:34 pm)

          Will do!

    • Brian May 13, 2022 (4:24 pm)

      Is this a description that has been validated by authorities, or just a matter of what’s heard through the grapevine? Would like to know so we know who to watch for

      • Alkiholic May 13, 2022 (4:56 pm)

        This is an almost verbatim description from 911 dispatch to SPD.. There are several free online police scanners, others that cost money, or the old school plug and play.. I use  https://m.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/29351, when we go out for late dog walks in the Avalon 35th Ave area just to make sure no nefarious stuff is going down.. Lots of law enforcement jargon but when you get the Williams, Franks, and the other West Seattle beats down its easier to decipher.. Viable description though friend 

        • WSB May 13, 2022 (5:02 pm)

          I appreciate it, the traffic on this was rather scratchy (we have an actual hardware scanner) but “blue jeans” was audible at one point, Going to go back on the broadcastify archives to see if it’s clearer. Even though we talked with SPD and SFD at the scene, they don’t often provide a description, as it’s often in flux.

          • Alkiholic May 13, 2022 (5:08 pm)

            For sure glad to help out!! Can’t thank you guys enough for the years of outstanding reporting, due diligence, and just down right caring to help out the West Seattle community.. Keep it up!!

          • LAdmiral May 14, 2022 (9:24 am)

            Agreed! WSB is always on top of everything. Thank you!

        • Neighbor May 13, 2022 (5:26 pm)

          Bright orange hoodie is accurate, big lettering on front, suspect has lean build. Dog lost scent. Police just showed me a picture, as I live next to green belt. 

        • Thomas Wood May 14, 2022 (10:33 am)

          Is Lisa Herebold  up for re-election this year?

          • WSB May 14, 2022 (10:41 am)

            The City Council district elections are next year.

          • Aimless Blade May 15, 2022 (3:18 pm)

            I hope so.She was able to get the bridge done this summer!What have you done for the neighborhood?

  • WS RES May 13, 2022 (3:43 pm)

    dialed 911 literally as I heard the shots – I knew instantly that it was not just a car. White newer Chevy Malibu following a silver Jetta very close, and quickly going north on 26th within minutes of it happening. No idea if it is related.

    • WSB May 13, 2022 (3:57 pm)

      They believe the shooter got away on foot, based on security video, so there’s no talk of a vehicle at this point.

      • Andy J May 13, 2022 (4:08 pm)

        Someone with a gun wearing florescent vest and orange hoodie (I think) approached me on south west Dakota street heading up the hill away from dragon fly towards SW Avalon. Said there was fighting in the encampment. I got back inside and called 911.

  • Mike May 13, 2022 (3:57 pm)

    Anyone surprised?

    • Derek May 13, 2022 (6:12 pm)

      Housed people shoot more people than homeless. And no proof this person is encampment associated on any level. But go ahead and spread your hate gif less fortunate! 

      • alki_2008 May 16, 2022 (7:39 pm)

        There are also a lot more housed people than homeless, so absolute numbers don’t mean anything. But really, it’s not just hating on homeless, but that particular encampment has been problematic for a long while, especially as it’s been allowed to grow and turned into an almost permanent thing with the way the residents have built structures now.

    • Odd son May 13, 2022 (8:02 pm)

      Nope! Well, actually I am surprised- that it didn’t happen sooner. I guess there has been the occasional shooting or knife attack at various “camps” over the years.

  • Anna May 13, 2022 (4:00 pm)

    A fine time to get rid of this encampment, eh?? This is out of control. We can’t even run to the gym without fear of getting shot. 

    • Avalonian May 13, 2022 (4:23 pm)

      Beyond time.

      • Derek May 13, 2022 (6:13 pm)

        I live right here and bike and walk around it and met some nice people even. Stop profiling people. 

        • Frustrated May 13, 2022 (7:34 pm)

          Are you friendly with the guy who chops up the bikes or the guy who deals the drugs out of that RV? Or is it the guy who steals supplies out of Nucor?

          • Derek May 13, 2022 (8:45 pm)

            I’m not friendly with made up characters but I do know a lot more house’d people committing violent crimes that I’m more concerned with. My neighbors had a domestic disturbance call on them and one hit his wife. Not homeless, whodathunk?

        • Lagartija Nick May 13, 2022 (9:52 pm)

          Derek, please just stop. I too live in the immediate vicinity and two to three years ago would have wholeheartedly agreed with you that these were people who needed our help and not derision. Not any more. This encampment needs to go. Period. It is unsafe, for the neighborhood, the nearby businesses and yes, even for the folks who live in the encampment. Pretending that the situation hasn’t drastically deteriorated over the last year doesn’t do anyone any good and particularly the good folks who live there.

          • JRH May 14, 2022 (9:05 am)

            open spaces seem to attract crime now.  I grew up but it is not safe and we used to always have police help quickly.  now not enough to spread around. 

          • Seattlite May 14, 2022 (12:42 pm)

            Excellent comment…These homeless encampments are unacceptable, dangerous to ALL citizens within the camps and ALL citizens who have to live with the camps near their residential areas.   What are Seattle’s city council and mayor doing about the homeless population?

        • Sam-c May 13, 2022 (10:08 pm)

          I’ve walked around the area too. For over 15 years, in the middle of the day. However in the recent few months, I’ve stopped my walking route through that area, after being cat called and yelled at by folks at the RVs.

    • Grant G May 13, 2022 (5:56 pm)

      Way past time to shovel this crime scene up with a bulldozer and restore order to the neighborhood. Shame on you Herbold.

      • Aimless blade. May 15, 2022 (3:21 pm)

        If you’d like homelessness to end, end capitalism.Or, stop your whining. 

        • James May 15, 2022 (9:55 pm)

          Ding ding ding! This is the only way. I’m tired of people thinking shoving poor people on some island away from society magically fixes hyper capitalistic poverty.

    • M May 13, 2022 (6:45 pm)

      I have gone to the gym since 2006. Thinking of canceling my membership and finding a gym on the east side where I don’t have to be afraid of getting shot or something else. The city including Herbold won’t do anything about the encampment until someone is shot and killed 

  • Concerned Neighboe May 13, 2022 (4:02 pm)

    This is the second shooting in the same spot in the past 3 weeks.  Every night I hear people screaming, roaming around the streets etc.   when is the city going to wake up and clear this out?

    • WSB May 13, 2022 (4:10 pm)

      Month and a half ago:
      https://westseattleblog.com/2022/03/crime-watch-followup-charges-filed-in-andover-shooting/
      The man charged in that shooting is still in jail.

    • CarDriver May 13, 2022 (4:15 pm)

      City will wake up and do something when people get out from behind their keyboards and show up in person at city hall/city council chambers.

      • Kim May 13, 2022 (7:38 pm)

        AgreeI was involved in a shooting on Marginal Way about 2 months ago. Driving home from work. 6 bullets in my car, they think was random gang activity.  The number of people since who told me that I should “move to the east side” or some version of that was a lot. Everyone is ok with it as long as they think they are safe staring at their computer screens and it’s not going to directly affect them. 

  • Dragonfly neighbor May 13, 2022 (4:06 pm)

    Helicopter has been hovering for past 30 mins, cops still searching

    • WSB May 13, 2022 (4:23 pm)

      As noted above, that is a TV helicopter (verified by flight tracker, there’s one distinct helicopter that the TV stations share). Guardian One is not currently available, according to dispatch.

  • DRC May 13, 2022 (4:08 pm)

         What  happened to the clean up on Andover. Can you find out

    • WSB May 13, 2022 (4:24 pm)

      We already reported on that. Long over.

  • DRW May 13, 2022 (4:08 pm)

    Wild, Wild, West Seattle. What a great week. Probably stealing a stolen catalytic converter. Systemic. Time for a sweep. 

  • Mike May 13, 2022 (4:11 pm)

    Hello? Hello, Mayor’s Office? Yes, is that you, Mayor Harrell? Oh good, we’ve been trying to get ahold of you. Well, because, have you been watching what’s going on in West Seattle the past couple of days? Uh-huh. Yeah. Well, yes, I did vote for you–but right now I’m trying to remember why. Because this isn’t working, y’know? Right. Whatever the city’s doing to help us live here safely and pay our taxes, it’s just not working. No actually, most of us don’t live in The Downtown Core. In fact, there’s a whole lot of us that don’t even go down there at all anymore. No, I’d love to go downtown but it feels like I have to stay here and guard my catalytic converter. Right. Yes,  yes, I did vote for her–but we all make mistakes, right? Won’t do that again. Well, lovely chatting with you, and thanks for listening. You were listening, right? Because we really do need your help out here. OK, thanks–have a good one.

  • Chris May 13, 2022 (4:13 pm)

    Enough if enough. What’s it going to take to disband these thugs? A child from nearby daycare getting shot in the crossfire? This is not a typical down on luck homeless situation. Clean this up and give safety back to neighbors! 

  • Jill May 13, 2022 (4:20 pm)

    The time has come for Seattle City Leadership to evacuate the homeless encampment (RV’s, UHaul vans, tents, cars in disrepair) that has occupied this area x 3 years. North Delridge tax paying business and home owners are entitled to safety, law and public health enforcement. What has been allowed to take place these past 3 years is abhorable.I want my beautiful city back!

  • PigeonPointer May 13, 2022 (4:20 pm)

    Another day, another shooting. How many people have to get hurt before the city clears out this encampment? This particular encampment is filled with criminal activity from the chop shop, open air drug dealing, to the multiple shootings.  Enough is enough. 

    • Avalonian May 13, 2022 (4:34 pm)

      Agreed. It is plain as day. We put in reports regularly. Why does no one take action?

      • safety May 13, 2022 (4:58 pm)

        Where is our caring representative Lisa herbolt??

        • Sillygoose May 13, 2022 (5:45 pm)

          Exactly 

        • Herbold sucks May 13, 2022 (6:17 pm)

          It’s exactly what Herbold wants.  I filed a complaint to her.  Her response was nothing but a long winded diatribe about how she helped make sure the encampment gets free city services.  She didn’t mention a damn thing about getting rid of it.

          • MyThruppence May 13, 2022 (9:03 pm)

            Is there a way to recall Herbold? Sawant was saved (just barely) in Capitol Hill, the most liberal of districts. I am confident Herbold would not be treated similarly. Her unwillingness to do what is necessary (way more police recruitment….yesterday) in order to restore order and civility is disgusting.

          • WS Res May 16, 2022 (8:35 pm)

            Her response was nothing but a long winded diatribe about how she helped make sure the encampment gets free city services.  – I mean, if you want there to not be trash and human excrement around, one good way is by providing dumpsters and port-a-potties with regular service.

          • alki_2008 May 16, 2022 (9:46 pm)

            WS Res.   There wouldn’t be trash and excrement there if not for the encampment.

  • Chris May 13, 2022 (4:25 pm)

    Let’s not forget last week’s events,random bullets…2 blocks from here….https://westseattleblog.com/2022/05/west-seattle-crime-watch-gunfire-investigation-stolen-red-tahoe-suv/

  • Nervous neighbor May 13, 2022 (4:32 pm)

    What should we do in order to get this area cleaned from RVs?? Individual complaints to city don’t work, is there a way to express this need collectively to the city?

    • DeeJay May 13, 2022 (5:36 pm)

      bulldozers and light them on fire – they ALL must go.  these people need to take accountability and action for their lives.  if they don’t want help, then their loss

      • Alki resident May 13, 2022 (8:59 pm)

        But, but Seattle wants compassion. 

    • Ferns May 13, 2022 (6:22 pm)

      Funny you should ask. I lived in a town near a much larger RV encampment for many years and it magically disappeared overnight when enough neighbors and businesses insisted that the city install “no oversize vehicle” parking zones. Neighbors he also decided to start enforcing a 72 hour parking limit and then they would haul off in-operable vehicles or ones being used as storage. Yes there were efforts to relocate them to public land like an obsolete community center with a huge lot so there was safer parking for them though Water, electrical services and social services are an even more difficult component to provide well. It can actually end up being much cheaper to provide some of the services then to constantly clear out parks and other public lands from tent encampments. But sort of a different issue there…  So where there had been about 10-12 RVs near my apartment I drove past every day the city installed signs saying that vehicles over 6 feet were prohibited from parking there. And it is a safety issue coming out of driveways when your line of sight is blocked by semis and larger vehicles. The side walks felt more enclosed And I worried walking past that an RV inhabit was going to pop open their door and run into me or go or grab me Or accidentally throw trash out when I was walking by. And they were ugly and trashy to look at next to million dollar condos. Incidentally that RV encampment had model citizens living in it and there were never substantiated worries about crime or trash really – but this encampment is clearly different! driving past it…well I should say I don’t think I want to even drive past it anymore. I don’t think I’ve heard any problems with the small set of RVs on Harbor Avenue but it would be great if they were going too. Otherwise I’m thinking I should get an RV, park it there and either rent it out or “summer” in it.

      • Jeremy May 14, 2022 (3:06 am)

        And what was the point of your comment again? 

  • John O May 13, 2022 (4:33 pm)

    We going to stand up against lawlessness, or naw? 

  • vee May 13, 2022 (4:37 pm)

    This encampment has to go, its not safe

  • make it stop May 13, 2022 (4:38 pm)

    I’m tired

  • anonyme May 13, 2022 (4:44 pm)

    We’ll all be holding our breath for the sweep once the 72-hour parking rule is reinstated.  Yeah, right.  I’m looking forward to the day when the same laws apply to everyone.  You know, like when criminals are treated like criminals instead of honored guests.

  • Rob May 13, 2022 (4:50 pm)

    WSB and fellow WS neighbors– with this latest spike in crime and multiple daily incidents this week alone, I think we should organize and demand a community meeting with SPD, the Mayors office and our (largely absent) councilmember Herbold to hear our concerns and explain what they are doing/will do to better protect west seattle (and how we can partner/help, this is a community issue).  We cannot just sit idly by while our community becomes a literal war zone. WSB, do you have any experience/advice on how we could organize and start this conversation?

    • John O May 13, 2022 (5:07 pm)

      Count our street in 

    • WSB May 13, 2022 (5:11 pm)

      Sad thing about people not supporting their neighborhood councils is that when you really need them, they have already died for lack of support – that’s what happened to the North Delridge council, and the Delridge District Council. The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council, kept alive by one lone guy despite health challenges, stopped meeting early in the pandemic. But all it really takes is one strong person to organize something new. Individually, Nucor and WSHC have long demanded action. One thing of note: The mayor is supposed to be in attendance at the District 1 Community Network first Wednesday in June (an online meeting). I’m not sure how open the discussion will be, though. – TR

      • Rob May 13, 2022 (5:34 pm)

        Thank you Tracy.  Can you point me to a link/info for the D1CN/their June meeting, for some reason I can’t find it and the d1cn.org link is wonky.  Thanks!

      • Alkiholic May 13, 2022 (5:43 pm)

        I live on Avalon in a condo complex and we had a sit down with a SPD representative to air our greiveances, take heed on how to be proactive around our condo complex, and come up with a solution to many of our crime problems that have been plaguing us over the last several months.. It was super informative and depressing at the same time.. Without getting to political SPD is just not up to the task at hand with who they are staffed with.. Mark the SPD Rep. said it would take b/n 5-7 years to restaf West Seattle to pre 2020 #’s.. My complex will hopefully be reaching out to neighboring complexes on Avalon to work together.. But the communtiy needs to be proactive and work w/ police, neighbors, and the folks that aren’t so fortunate to make our neighborhood harmonious again.. I’m all for a communtiy pow wow!!

    • stupidinseattle May 13, 2022 (5:50 pm)

      In Seattle when we don’t like something we have the Socialists/Anarchists come in to riot, loot and destroy!  Seriously, right there with you Rob.  My complaints to Lisa Herbolt 3 (yes 3) years ago about this trashed out street got me nothing but “it’s not my fault and I can’t do anything about it” emails from our elected council representative.   Will be there for the community protest if complaining in mass is what it takes.

    • West Seattle Has Had Enough May 13, 2022 (10:38 pm)

      Count us in

  • Derrick May 13, 2022 (4:52 pm)

    Tolerance has limits. Our neighborhood is trashed. There is garbage on the streets. Laws are openly disregarded, and now there are people being shot.It is time to clear the encampments. Repatriate those from other communities back from where they came and link those from here to appropriate services.Those of us who pay taxes and live here deserve to enjoy the parks we pay for. We deserve to walk down the street and not be confronted with potential gunfire.

    • assumption junction May 13, 2022 (6:25 pm)

      WSB, is there any way to extrapolate who is doing all the shooting in WS, for the last year? Mostly encampment or homeless folks, or riff raff who drive in from other areas, how many WS homeowners and renters?

  • Avalonian May 13, 2022 (4:57 pm)

    Within the last 10 min, squad car slowing driving the area announcing: “Please return to your homes”

    • WSB May 13, 2022 (5:00 pm)

      That’s generally the SOP when the canine’s out searching, as is still the case, not just an issue of “be safe.”

      • Avalonian May 13, 2022 (5:04 pm)

        Good point. Thanks for the info!

  • Trevor May 13, 2022 (4:58 pm)

    This is tragic.

  • Mila May 13, 2022 (5:06 pm)

    How do you know shooting had anything to do with encampment. Why not close the gym they have more clientel. Shootings are happening everywhere are you going to evict the housed residents next because of shootings nearby. 

    • - May 13, 2022 (5:24 pm)

      Mila,Report from the last shooting an officer wrote that he and a partner “patrol the area of that encampment regularly and make a habit of getting to know the subjects that frequent that area. Justin Weiland is extremely recognizable to us as we have spoken to him on many occasions.Your comment is either oblivious or dishonest 

    • johnmc May 13, 2022 (5:35 pm)

      I’m sorry for the folks in the RV encampment that had nothing to do with this but this is the second shooting next to it. If you want to stay, clean up your mess and don’t allow this to happen. Nobody from the gym has shot anyone.

    • PP4Life May 13, 2022 (6:42 pm)

      Yes, lets close  the business doing their best contribute to the community so that the criminals (ahem, unhoused neighbors)  in the encampment can live in peace and continue to live without laws and morals. <insert sarcasm> This is WHY Seattle has become what it is and the virtue signaling has been played out. It’s  time to discern the truly unhoused law abiding citizens from the criminal lawlessness that these encampments predominantly are. I bet there are very few of the former.

    • Sheldon May 13, 2022 (6:48 pm)

      Ah I get I now that was sarcasm – right 😬.

    • T May 13, 2022 (7:07 pm)

      Andy JMay 13, 2022 4:08 pmSomeone with a gun wearing florescent vest and orange hoodie (I think) approached me on south west Dakota street heading up the hill away from dragon fly towards SW Avalon. Said there was fighting in the encampment. I got back inside and called 911.Posted above in comments. Sounds a lot like the description of the shooter and he had a gun. 

  • Ron M May 13, 2022 (5:10 pm)

    I used to be a member at WSHC, great gym. It wasn’t quite as bad when I initially signed up. Started getting uneasy after the encampment got worse again, got accosted a couple times leaving the gym. Cancelled my membership last year. Hope they can find the suspect and clean that trouble spot up.

  • assumption junction May 13, 2022 (5:15 pm)

    Is there evidence that the perp was part of the RV community? Sorry if I missed this info. Couldn’t the rv’ers be victims of some predatory types coming to the encampment? Of course they could also be part of the encampment down there, just not sure it’s fair to assume.
    I do hope for positive solutions to be found for these encampment situations and all affected.

    • Duffy May 13, 2022 (9:53 pm)

      RV community? I suggest you spend a few hours down there just observing what goes on at that location. Community is a generous word. Open air drug deals are frequent. There is a bike theft chop shop. Precious metals are brought in from nearby development projects. It’s literally a wasteland down there. I’m sensitive to the plight of people who are homeless. That seems to make up maybe 10-20% of what is going on at Andover. It’s a free for all and now we’ve had 2 shootings in 6 weeks about 200 yards from where my 1.5 year old goes to daycare. Amazing that the SPD and Herbold think this is OK. That is borderline criminal in of itself.

      • assumption junction May 14, 2022 (6:34 am)

        None of that is okay, and agree solutions are needed. Parents concern regarding the day care and school bus situation, near an area of recent shootings and other apparent crime, is very understandable. However, feel concerned when hearing immediate assumptions and accusations and ‘lets March and burn em’ down’ mentality. Hate and incivility and treating a whole group in difficult circumstances as criminals, because there may be some criminals among them, is also wrong.  When frustration and fear and anger are prominent, we can lose sight of our humanity, compassion, and love. Remember these are people, who long for the same essential things as you.  They want to feel safe too. May everyone who is outraged take a moment of gratitude for not having to walk in these other people’s shoes. 

        • Tired May 14, 2022 (6:27 pm)

          Enough is enough. Over tolerance is really just enabling crime at this point. When they cleared the camp at woodland park they did MONTHS of outreach to offer services, with very few takers. They choose to live in this chaos despite alternatives. No longer ok. Go live their chosen anarchy in the woods somewhere and live off the land or something. Or… take the services offered and work toward a better life. And for the record, I’ve been in similar circumstances. Consequences helped me to see the way to better living. And now working in a field that interacts constantly, you can only offer and offer and offer.

          • assumption junction May 15, 2022 (8:58 am)

            Maybe this says something about the system or services offered?

        • alki_2008 May 16, 2022 (8:04 pm)

          When outreach workers go to encampments and offer services, then residents rarely take the services. Because services have rules. But those rules are to guide those people to a different lifestyle and is the only way their circumstances will ever change. Without taking those services, homeless will never have different circumstances. When encampments are cleared and people are offered services, then the outreach workers get taken up on the offer at a higher (although still low) rate. It’s only the threat of being cleared out that drives those people to take the services.  What type of life and future do homeless or addicted or ill people have if they just continue to live in the same unhealthy and dangerous situation?  Wouldn’t it be better for them to get back on their feet, to have some dignity, to be reunited with family or friends and build happy memories that they can look back on in their old age?  Too many people in Seattle are just enabling the unhoused’s self-destruction.

  • Burgerman May 13, 2022 (5:16 pm)

    Last night at 7 PM I witnessed copper thieves (why else would they have large spools of obviously cut, sheathed wire on a shopping cart?) doing a drug deal right on the corner of the entrance to Nucor from Andover. Three white males, medium height, lightly bearded, grey hoodies. They were standing next to the newest tent right by the flower bushes there. No I didn’t call the police, I didn’t have time to sit on hold for hours trying to file a report, and it didn’t warrant 9-1-1. It’s getting ridiculous down there. It’s time to clear that encampment out, regardless of the status of the people who live there. Time for them to move on.

    • Ferns May 13, 2022 (6:41 pm)

      I know reporting is such a pain in the butt but two points. I think in some cities right now all calls non-emergency included go to 911 and even a late report at your convenience has value to record and show where support is needed.  also when I’ve called 911 in W. Seattle to report non-emergency things like around 4th of July when people were setting off fireworks near the parched Parklands and I was afraid they might accidentally burn down important trees that hold up the hillside, 911 basically said they were just going to take a note of it because they don’t have enough police to respond to anything that’s not urgent because of “defunding” sentiment and loss of officers (they did respond to Alki beach shootings around that time!). At least the new mayor seems to take police recruitment and retention seriously. Time will tell. I think most of us just want Police to prevent killing and abuse of unarmed suspects. Not to stop serving and protecting our communities. I did love reading here in the comments that there are officers who know the people in the rvs. Community policing strategy is smart. I’m really hoping there’s some secret investigation and sting operation plan to get bigger criminals that work around that area if that’s the case. Otherwise this seems like feet dragging and a known dangerous/deadly situation. 

      • Hopeless in Seattle May 13, 2022 (7:24 pm)

        I needed to call the non-emergency line a few days ago and they can’t even bother to answer. It’s now a recorded message that basically says to only call 911 if its life or death. No response for anything else due to staffing. Sadly, this issue will take YEARS to get to the proper staffing and training. This problem is going to get A LOT worse before it gets better, unless the citizens start to stand up to our elected officials and to the criminals alike. It truly feels like it is becoming the wild west and I will take action to protect my family since the police won’t. The police only react AFTER a crime has been committed with zero crime prevention. And even then, their capture and conviction rate is subpar. We are on our own. 

  • N7OEP May 13, 2022 (5:16 pm)

    I remember back when the Spokane Street bridge (the original dual bascule) was damaged and it seemed like the city was dragging its feet to solve the problem, a movement began to secede from the city. That got the attention of the mayor and council, and the state elected officials and we got a new bridge (although that hasn’t seemed to work out so well recently…). Point is, if we threaten to take away their tax revenues by seceding, maybe, just maybe, they will pay us a little more attention? 

  • Mj May 13, 2022 (5:19 pm)

    Enough already, time to bring out the broom and clean the site and keep it that way!

  • carole May 13, 2022 (5:20 pm)

    I noticed the RVs and camper vans have begun returning to Trenton, along the north side of WW Village. There also seem to be some cars being lived in as well.

  • Frustrated May 13, 2022 (5:31 pm)

    What can we do to have them moved? Is there a petition anywhere?

  • Mj May 13, 2022 (5:36 pm)

    N70EP – have you conducted the tax calculations?  Residential areas tend to rely on tax revenues generated by commercial businesses.

    • N7OEP May 14, 2022 (8:36 am)

      I think there might be one or two commercial businesses in West Seattle….

  • Melinda J-S May 13, 2022 (5:56 pm)

    Kudos to the school bus driver who was trying his/her/their best to maneuver the bus away from the scene.  

    • Public School Transport May 13, 2022 (7:12 pm)

      There’s an elementary school  bus stop right across the street from the health club.  That feels safe…

    • KA May 13, 2022 (8:42 pm)

      Our kids were on that bus. 😔

  • #onevoice May 13, 2022 (6:56 pm)

    We must turn up the heat with our elected officials as a unified voice. For readers who are serious about banding together, I will take point on organizing a community meeting (location and time TBD).  Please email dragonflyneighbors@gmail.com for inclusion. While many of us have been independently vocal on the Andover encampment, time is now to amplify our concerns, represented as one community. 

    • Sarch May 13, 2022 (7:10 pm)

      thank you for organizing!!! Let’s go, folks. 

    • Pigeon Pointer May 13, 2022 (7:28 pm)

      Email sent. I think it is past time for our community to organize and mobilize. Thank you for initiating this. 

    • West Seattle Has Had Enough May 13, 2022 (10:44 pm)

      Email sent – let’s do this!

    • John O May 14, 2022 (10:48 am)

      Email sent

  • Sarch May 13, 2022 (7:08 pm)

    I hope everyone outraged and commenting here is also writing to Herbold and Harrell??Make some noise directly in their inboxes and meetings or there is no chance anything will happen. Even then… 

  • wetone May 13, 2022 (7:51 pm)

    What I find interesting is how local tv news rarely mentions shootings in this area, but has no problem mentioning all the shootings in Tacoma… Mayor Bruce Harrell seems to be quite good at controlling/containing the news……Have little faith in any changes for the better with him in charge, just a lot of jaw flapping…..and moving the unfortunate around….

    • WSB May 13, 2022 (10:27 pm)

      Has nothing to do with the mayor. Tacoma has had 21 homicides so far this year (as of two days ago). West Seattle has had zero. Non-deadly shootings are far less likely to get covered by TV stations whose market area includes 22 counties (though the encampment angle brought TV over this time).

  • Sad May 13, 2022 (7:53 pm)

    One sad thing is that there are likely more victims of crime amongst the RV encampment or homeless folks, than there are these folks committing crimes on tax paying homeowners in the community. There are understandable concerns and obvious issues associated with these encampments, but maybe good to keep this in perspective. Also would be interested to know how many shootings over the past year have been by someone living in an encampment vs other demographics. Hope the injured will be okay.

    • Mel May 13, 2022 (8:39 pm)

      That may be the case, but here’s what I’m concerned about: My son’s daycare is right next to this mess. I regularly see needles, people strung out, knives being thrown around (seriously), and much more. What happens when it’s not someone from the camp, but a young child that’s injured or worse? Don’t these kids deserve to be in a safe environment free of this? 

  • Auntie May 13, 2022 (8:56 pm)

    If the encampment was no longer there, do you think there would be ANY shootings. NO. It’s not like gangs are driving around down there looking for trouble. It has to do with some of the people in the encampment. Sorry for the law-abiding people down on their luck, but they need to seek other shelter and let us clear out the drug dealers, chop shops and other ne’er-do-wells. NOW!

    • assumption junction May 14, 2022 (6:58 am)

      If the RV community is removed, yes it would reduce or remove associated activities and crime from that street. But, does that solve the larger issues? Where will these people go? And what street or area will the associated crime get moved to? Will it make matters worse for the RV people and result in increased crime over time? What happens when other new RVs show up and something similar starts again? Think some community meetings with thoughtful discussions to how to solve these situations, is a good idea. People need to be able to voice their concerns and frustrations and also their compassion and ideas.

  • bill May 13, 2022 (9:27 pm)

    A fundamental thing that everyone complaining about the mayor and CM Herbold overlooks is that the city is largely prohibited from dealing forcefully with the RVs. Washington courts have held that vehicles used as residences are protected by the Homestead Act. The city can’t just haul them away, no matter how much we wish otherwise.

    • West Seattle Has Had Enough May 13, 2022 (10:48 pm)

      Actually the city can haul them away – the ruling only states they can’t impose excessive fines and the vehicle considered a homestead can’t be sold to cover the fines and impound fees. These could be towed and impounded tomorrow.

    • Andy J May 13, 2022 (10:56 pm)

      This is not correct. They can be towed. The court ruled that they just can not be sold after towing, which is the current way towing companies get paid. 

  • Belle May 14, 2022 (1:02 am)

    There is a childcare center near by. Our children deserve better . 

  • Eldorado May 14, 2022 (8:01 am)

    Seriously! It’s time to politely… or not politely remove and relocate this encampment!  I’d be shocked if The fitness club hasn’t filed suit against the city by now. It’s a hazard. It’s horrific that these encampments have been allowed to stay here this long. Hello Mayor? Didn’t you say…..????

  • Thriving Community May 14, 2022 (8:11 am)

    On a related but different note, the West Seattle Health Club is a gem and a local business that supports well being within the community : Mental and physical health. Now why make it so people feel so unsafe to the point of cancelling their membership when the whole point of the place is to keep people healthy and well? Seems counterproductive. Our family loves the health club and they have remained opened during such a difficult time to own a business the last 2 plus years. The city and encampment need to be held accountable so that this business and in turn the people attending stay thriving. It’s time for some tough love. 

  • S. Torcovic May 14, 2022 (8:20 am)

    Let’s hope the new mayor has common sense. Basic common sense would be a great place to start from. 

  • Graham May 14, 2022 (8:47 am)

    I hope the victim is OK, and I’m sorry this happened. I also feel for those at the gym who had to experience this.Remember when an RV was driven into the gym pool building and caused $200K damage? I do. My son swims there. Yet, here we are still with this dangerous situation multiple years later. Solutions are needed and we need decisive action. Maintaining the status-quo is not the solution.https://www.king5.com/amp/article/news/local/west-seattle-business-owner-fed-up-with-nearby-homeless-encampment/281-605391415Our Councilperson happens to be chair of the public safety and human services committee. She has power to address this, in a way that – you know – addresses needs related to public safety and human services.https://www.seattle.gov/council/herbold

  • JRH May 14, 2022 (8:53 am)

    Time to take back our seattle green and work to help those who need it.  I grew up in Seattle and everyone has to help.  Support your police, organize neighborhood crime watches.  Watch for next vote because Lisa Herbold, I just saw her on channel 13, is not offering any extra for police and they are leaving to our neighboring cities.  No room in budget for bonuses and police are running from Seattle.  Anyone who has the job of putting their life on the line for me while Lisa and Teresa watched Seattle burn downtown during covid, and were able to comment via zoom, have now flipped on crime.  She was going to support crime problems in West Seattle when I voted. Police have to show up live to risk their lives for us.  Steve Harrel is a long time Seattle resident and has the values of Seattle before all of the rest came in.  Rent is now about $1,200 minimum and up to $3,000 per month.  We all could be one paycheck away from homelessness (especially if young).  Lisa is on tape telling us she would support police now she is deciding with Teresa to shift funds.  Pay the people who go in first what they are worth.  Seattle has money. Police  don’t get to work remotely from a computer while we have a covid epidemic and someone is targeting them during the riots and burning of police vehicles. I don’t remember seeing our city representatives then..  Steve Harrell has the strength and love of Seattle to bring it back.  Time to support police and do our part to help.  The bad ones will know, no where to go 

    • Jrh May 14, 2022 (9:08 pm)

      Sorry, typo, someone who does not support Bruce Harrell has pointed out, that his first name is not Steve. Bruce Harrell was out painting graffiti today on a neighborhood cleanup

  • Bmc May 14, 2022 (9:50 am)

    This camp is notorious for bike thefts. Having a bike stolen is a horrible violation and the city doesn’t seem to recognize or acknowledge it. Shut this place down!

  • JRH May 14, 2022 (9:50 am)

    Steve Harrell has a lot of common sense and wants to bring Seattle back. Me too. Let’s support any ideas for West Seattle.  Sounds like we need it 

    • Lagartija Nick May 14, 2022 (1:11 pm)

      His name is Bruce, not Steve. And I have little faith that he has any sense, common or otherwise. I seriously don’t understand why people were so gung ho to vote for him. He spent 12 years on the council and did nothing re crime and homelessness. He campaigned on these issues as his top priority and promised he had a plan ready to go. Where is it? When is he actually going to lead on this issue? What is he waiting for?

      • Jrh May 14, 2022 (8:38 pm)

        Ok. You are correct. I typed wrong  first name.  He just became mayor. But he has been a city representative before. There is crime and RVs in George Town too,. international district and tents all over downtown Seattle. Huge encampment behind harbor view. Multiple shootings in international district.What do you suggest?

      • Cait May 14, 2022 (10:38 pm)

        Someone attempted to sell me on the point that he was a good choice because he was an “empty suit”. If that’s the pitch, you know it’s not going to be good. 

      • Wseattleite May 15, 2022 (8:41 am)

        Look who else was offered in the election. Someone who used terrible language to test nasty things about the police?  Does not take much to reach high above that bar. 

    • Jrh May 14, 2022 (9:10 pm)

      Sorry, thanks, I do appreciate you catching that, Bruce Harrell was cleaning up graffiti today

  • Bill May 14, 2022 (3:02 pm)

    Dump Herbold in the next election. She’s worthless.

    • Aimlessblade May 15, 2022 (3:22 pm)

      You don’t deserve her. 

      • Jeepney May 16, 2022 (7:17 am)

        None of us constituents deserve her, time for a change.

  • CheeseWS777 May 15, 2022 (2:18 am)

    When somebody who doesnt live at the rv’s comes and shoots somebody who lives at the rv’s…. How does this generate hate coments on the rv’ers again?

    • sam-c May 16, 2022 (10:17 am)

      Is this what happened in this instance, was this scenario confirmed by the police? 

  • CheeseWS777 May 15, 2022 (4:36 am)

    ?When somebody who doesnt live at the rv’s comes and shoots somebody who lives at the rv’s…. How does this generate hate coments towards the rv’ers again?

  • adamst May 15, 2022 (12:51 pm)

    There is an RV that parks on the NE corner of Yancy and 28th right next to the gym. They throw their garbage over a fence onto the gym’s property on a daily basis. Imagine how frustrating this is for the gym owners. Especially when there is a spot just down the block where taxpayers pay to have a truck load of garbage taken away every week. These are not people down on their luck. These are people who simply do not care.

  • Mj May 15, 2022 (1:41 pm)

    CheeseWS777 – for many of us it’s pent up frustration that the City fails to enforce the rules to everyone equally, such as no littering and move your vehicle every 72 hours to a new block.  I’m personally very tired of the enforcement double standard.

  • Jethro Marx May 15, 2022 (1:50 pm)

    We humans are afraid of people we see as different than us. Plus, it’s more or less socially acceptable to voice one’s hatred of those people here, especially if we jump to a few conclusions about the shooting.

  • Bill May 15, 2022 (4:37 pm)

    Did anyone else hear the 5+ rapid-succession gunshots emanating from somewhere near the corner of Andover and 28th at about 12:45 AM Sunday (5/15/2022) morning?

    • WSB May 15, 2022 (5:25 pm)

      There were several reports of suspected gunfire last night in various areas, as is the case many nights, and police are always dispatched to check them out, but there was no report back of evidence found – pending formal report availability tomorrow.

  • Blueeyes May 15, 2022 (7:15 pm)

    Has anybody heard how the victim is doing?

    • WSB May 15, 2022 (8:03 pm)

      SFD did not reply to my inquiry on Friday, though that would only cover what condition he was in when transported – can’t get a current condition without a name. Will be checking again with SFD tomorrow.

  • WS Mom May 16, 2022 (8:41 am)

    Was the shooter ever found?

  • Jeff May 16, 2022 (9:04 am)

    Why are gunshots and fires presumed to be done by homeless when the last several times either has happened, it was, NOT a homeless person? I’m so sick of people discriminating against a group of people for no reasons. Especially the poor. Sickening.

    • adamst May 16, 2022 (4:04 pm)

      So Jeff can you explain to me why these folks are at the encampment when they are not homeless? What exactly draws them there? Is there some sort of legal commerce that I am unaware of? Please let me know because I would be happy to support it if there was.

    • alki_2008 May 16, 2022 (8:23 pm)

      It’s not about being presumed to be DONE by the homeless, but the illegal activity at the homeless encampments attract people that lean toward criminal activity. If not for the illegal sales and dealings at the encampments, then the crimes wouldn’t happen. It’s similar to how drug dealing houses in residential neighborhoods are fines or condemned, because the illegal activities in those houses attract criminals and criminal behavior.  If it was simply an encampment without all the scrapping and chop shops and drug dealing, then there would be much less outrage, if any.

  • WS Manager May 18, 2022 (3:17 pm)

    I’ve made several police reports regarding this encampment, as we’ve been burglarized and had our staff assaulted by residents of this encampment. After contacting the city, they’ve asked me to file a report for an unauthorized encampment. Here is a link for anyone else who doesn’t have it already. Please share your report numbers in the comments below so we can keep track of how many are filed.    Customer Service Bureau – Customer Service Bureau | seattle.gov

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