FOURTH OF JULY 2025: Here’s what’s keeping SPD and SFD busy (with updates including stabbing of teenage girl, gunfire arrest)

10:08 PM: Every Fourth of July, right about now, we start live-chronicling what police/fire responders are handling. And as usual, it’s busy. For one, police have just implemented a traffic plan and are blocking Harbor/Alki to traffic beyond what’s already there. If you’re headed that way – don’t, until the Lake Union fireworks are over and things start clearing out 11-ish. More to come …

10:18 PM: The traffic-blocking was related to a felony incident they’re just wrapping up, also requiring a tow truck to impound a vehicle. The vast majority of Southwest Precinct activity these past few hours has been in the Alki area. And now there’s a foot pursuit near Duwamish Head involving possibly armed suspects, 1300 block Alki SW, “possibly a strong-arm robbery, six juveniles.”

10:33 PM: Now police have a reported juvenile suspect “barricaded in a bathroom” toward the north end of California SW (they’re trying to straighten out the location)…. Meantime, if you’re wandering, there’s been virtually no mention of fireworks, trouble or otherwise, over the air, for quite some time, though plenty are being set off here in Fauntleroy and certainly elsewhere. … The aforementioned California SW standoffresponse is described as inside an apartment building.

11:40 PM: Thanks to commenters who solved the standoff situation – 7100 California, not 1700. Not a juvenile. And lots of fireworks calls now. … “Car fire” SFD response at California/Oregon.

12:45 AM: Stabbing in 7700 block 17th SW, The victim is a 17-year-old girl.

5:00 AM: Here’s the SPD summary of last night’s major arrest on Alki:

At 2000 hours, Officers were flagged down on Alki Av SW by a victim. The victim stated that an unknown suspect brandished a firearm at the victim, and he felt fearful for his life. Officers quickly checked the area and located the suspect that the victim positively identified on Alki Av Sw. Officers placed the suspect into custody and recovered a firearm on the suspect. The suspect was transported to KCJ and booked for Felony Harassment.

We don’t have further info about the stabbing yet but will add it when we do.

5:13 AM: Just off the Harbor exit of the westbound bridge, police are trying to contact suspect(s) in a car after stopping it via PIT following a 90 mph-pursuit from somewhere east of West Seattle. Haven’t heard what they pursued for, but they’re calling for reinforcements. … Update: That’s the Harbor ISLAND exit, officers are telling dispatch, and they have one person in custody.

5:42 AM: The Harbor Island exits from the bridge and 99 will be blocked while this investigation – with a revised location, Spokane/Klickitat beneath the bridge – continues. One snippet of info, it involved a gun.

6:25 AM: The exits have reopened. And we’ve also heard it noted that this incident – which, again, started outside West Seattle – involved a burglary.

11:14 AM: SFD says the stabbing victim was in stable condition when transported. We don’t have police info on the case yet.

1:03 PM: Here’s what police just posted to SPD Blotter:

Seattle police detectives are investigating the violent stabbing of a 17-year-old girl in the Delridge neighborhood in West Seattle this morning.

At about 12:20 a.m., patrol officers responded to reports of a burglary and assault in the 7100 block of 17th Avenue Southwest. When police arrived, they found blood on the door and made immediate entry into the house believing the suspects were still inside.

Inside, they found the victim with multiple stab wounds all over her body and she had significant blood loss. Officers pulled her to safety, and the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) provided her with medical treatment. SFD transported her to Harborview Medical Center in serious, but stable condition.

Patrol officers set up a security perimeter around the house until the Hostage Negotiation Team and the SWAT team arrived on scene. Officers applied for a search warrant, and it was signed by a judge. Ultimately, SWAT searched the house, but they did not find the suspects.

While investigating, officers learned the teen suspects, a boy and girl, ran from the house before officers arrived. The circumstances leading up to the violent assault are under investigation. If anyone has information, they are asked to the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.

Detectives in the Homicide and Assault Unit are assigned to this case.

Incident Number: 2025-187428

7:44 PM SATURDAY: Another SPD Blotter post tonightreveals an arrest for one of last night’s other incidents in the wider Alki area; most “suspected shots fired” calls last night were fireworks, but not this one:

On July 4, at about 9:00 p.m., patrol officers responded to reports of someone shooting out of the sunroof of a car in the 2400 block of Harbor Avenue Southwest. There, police located a shell casing and interviewed witnesses. There were no reported injuries or property damage.

While investigating, officers found the suspect driving nearby on Harbor Avenue Southwest and performed a high-risk traffic stop. Police detained all the occupants while they further investigated. Officers could see a bullet shell casing on the rear floorboard of the car.

Ultimately, police determined the driver to be the shooter, and they arrested him. The two passengers were investigated and released. Officers impounded the car to the Vehicle Processing Room for further evidence search.

Police booked the suspect (23 years old) into the King County Jail for Investigation of Drive-By Shooting.

73 Replies to "FOURTH OF JULY 2025: Here's what's keeping SPD and SFD busy (with updates including stabbing of teenage girl, gunfire arrest)"

  • Curious July 4, 2025 (10:23 pm)

    If SPS is aware people use their parking lots and premises for illegal fireworks why don’t they do some preemptive planning? 

    • k July 4, 2025 (10:54 pm)

      Why spend time planning when you don’t have the money to execute the plan?  This is SPS we’re talking about.

      • Amy July 5, 2025 (5:42 am)

        They have the money.

    • RS July 4, 2025 (11:06 pm)

      They don’t care about safety at all. Couldn’t even be bothered to turn the parking lot lights on. 

      • Derp July 5, 2025 (9:50 am)

        Most big lots like this had the lights turned off on purpose. 

  • Drahcir61 July 4, 2025 (10:44 pm)

    How ironic that the July 4th holiday, once proudly celebrated for this countries independence & freedom for all, has been hijacked by asinines intent on destroying democracy & the rule of law.

    • Jeannie July 4, 2025 (11:50 pm)

      Yes, and our “leader” is the biggest example.

      • WSzombie July 5, 2025 (8:05 pm)

        Oh geez, get off of it. Trump is the most patriotic president we’ve had since probably Reagan. Any other presidents thank our service members and first responders? Any others actually try to “make America great again”? I could go on forever, but people who make comments like yours aren’t helping, it only fuels the discord even more. So please, avoid the hypocrisy if you don’t agree. Everyone will be better. 

    • Carole July 5, 2025 (6:35 pm)

      TACO.  The hyjacker in chief!

  • Sally July 4, 2025 (10:46 pm)

    No mention of fireworks? Apparently you have not been to the White Center area where it’s like a fireworks show with illegal fireworks being set off up and down residential streets but of course people around here don’t care that they are illegal now.  Last night on Thursday people were setting them off until 2am when people were trying to sleep.  King County Sheriff deputies don’t have the time or the resources to do anything about illegal fireworks.

    • WSB July 4, 2025 (10:55 pm)

      I didn’t say “no fireworks,” I said no mention over the air. And WC, as I’m sure you know, is an entirely different agency and jurisdiction, so it could be all over THOSE airwaves for all I know…. I’m just monitoring SPD and SFD.

    • Brandon July 4, 2025 (11:08 pm)

      Sally, are you new? You say “they are illegal now” like this is a new thing. Been a warzone on the 4th for the 20+ I’ve been here. Eh, seems bad injuries are rare and its quite a show.

    • Alki resident July 4, 2025 (11:32 pm)

      White Center has been like that for over 25 years. Lots of eye catching displays. 

  • Rhonda July 4, 2025 (10:48 pm)

    I did a late run at the Lincoln Park waterfront trail until after dark. There was a crowd of several families (babies to very elderly) setting off absolute bombs. Some of the mortars were shooting 200 feet into the air and the burst ball was still almost reaching the ground. But those weren’t as distressing as what seemed like almost sticks of dynamite going off in the center of the path. It also seemed like nearly every beachfront house from the south end of the park to the ferry terminal was launching large crowd-pleasers, too.

    • WSB July 4, 2025 (10:52 pm)

      That sounds like what I’ve been hearing a few blocks uphill from the park.

  • DC July 4, 2025 (10:55 pm)

    Here in South Delridge there’s more fireworks than I can ever remember and haven’t heard a single cop or fire siren all night. It’s honestly kind of eerie. 

  • Sandy July 4, 2025 (10:59 pm)

    Any news about Alki? And the robbery? Still see a lot of police cars and one driving on the side walk. 

  • Independence Day neighbor July 4, 2025 (11:09 pm)

    The annual illegal fireworks show on 50 Ave SW is winding down. Hopefully. 

  • Jared July 4, 2025 (11:14 pm)

    There’s been heavy police presence at 7100 California Ave SW. Any ideas what happened? Before that I heard numerous shrieks from what sounded like a woman and accompanying man+child. Hope they’re okay 

    • pL July 4, 2025 (11:47 pm)

      Domestic violence call

  • Leslie July 4, 2025 (11:14 pm)

    Lowman has a huge hour long and still going display of crazy. No need to go anywhere for fireworks, just open the blinds. If you like fireworks, though, it is impressive. Illegal, loud…but impressive

  • pL July 4, 2025 (11:16 pm)

    The situation at 7100 Caliv Ave SW is over. The aggressor is in an ambulance because he was crying over them them pepper spraying him. (eye roll) I am hoping he will be arrested but who knows.

  • Curious July 4, 2025 (11:16 pm)

    If they’re not going to enforce the law of illegal fireworks why have it? WC & Delridge sound like a war zone!

  • Kat July 4, 2025 (11:23 pm)

    Full-on fireworks show at Alki and 63rd for the last almost 2 hours. Large crowd, massive fireworks. Has slowed but there are still random blasts. SPD traffic officer has been there all day to monitor, as I understand it. These folks will be on the beach and boardwalk in the morning to clean up their mess, right? 

  • pL July 4, 2025 (11:27 pm)

    The man who barricaded himself in the bathroom at 7100 Calif was not a minor/juvenile. He is in his 40s at least.

  • Rosie July 4, 2025 (11:41 pm)

    There have been kids shooting fireworks on Alki Ave in front of Blue Moon Burgers, at cars and at people on the sidewalk for the past 2 hours. I’ve called three times, but SPD must have more urgent calls. 

    • alki_2008 July 5, 2025 (12:37 am)

      And an hour after your post, they are still there. Although the crowd is larger a couple blocks to the east. The people doing donuts in the intersection in front of Blue Moon made a sqealing appearance as well. There were at least 2 incidents where it seemed like a fight was about to break out, but those groups dispersed themselves. It’s interesting to see kids wearing face masks while outdoors when we’re 5 years into the pandemic. Stay vigilant, as some fireworks that are shot out of handheld tubes have been shot towards the homes, not just towards the water. Having an accessible hose nearby is always a good thing.

  • Jeannie July 4, 2025 (11:53 pm)

    I feel bad for the wildlilfe, pets, and, most importantly on this “patriotic” holiday, veterans with PTSD.

  • Over it July 4, 2025 (11:57 pm)

    Loud booming blasts of absolutely nothing remotely joyful or related to the 4th. That’s what’s keeping everyone awake around 47th & Charlestown. It’s been going on for over an hour, we wish it stop so our kids can sleep peacefully.

  • Ban the Ban July 5, 2025 (12:00 am)

    We had far fewer and much smaller fireworks in West Seattle 30 years ago when they were legal and sold in Safeway and QFC parking lots.

    • K July 5, 2025 (6:16 am)

      There were way fewer people 30 years ago, and the fireworks were definitely a lot worse 25 years ago when I moved here, so maybe there was something else that made the private displays get so big and stupid, but it wasn’t their availability at Safeway. 

    • alki_2008 July 6, 2025 (2:12 pm)

      The legality and/or sales location of fireworks is not the only reason the displays were smaller nowadays. Times change, tech changes. Some of the fireworks that are made nowadays were not even available 30 years ago unless on a large, industrial scale because of an inability to safely package them small enough for personal use.

  • Jesus July 5, 2025 (12:09 am)

    Alki was a mess 11pm Teens lighting up mortars on the ground recklessly. They threw one into the taco stand, blew it up. Briefly caught fire. Kids crying. Horrible. SPD gave up early on, It was complete chaos. 

  • AM July 5, 2025 (12:09 am)

    Near bluemoon burger, these kids were intentionally throwing big fireworks at people to harm them including the vendors tents. They threw it at my partner and I and hurt me. The police said they tried to get them but they got away, however the cops have it on tape of them throwing them at people. 

    • Jesus July 5, 2025 (1:24 pm)

      Thank you for posting them. They need to be charged! They threw a mortar into the taco stand full of people!!!!! Kids were crying and it caught on fire! Domestic terrorism. 

    • alki_2008 July 6, 2025 (2:15 pm)

      The two kids on the left were roaming around the area for hours. The one on the left (all-gray) was armed and the one in the middle was hanging around with him until at least 2am, when I stopped paying attention. It would be hard to identify them, as they were both wearing face masks all night.

  • Irritated July 5, 2025 (3:00 am)

    It’s almost 3 a.m., and people are still setting off fireworks and these aren’t little backyard poppers either, they sound more like mortars. Multiple residents called the police around 11 p.m., and no one has responded. The individuals responsible aren’t even trying to hide; they’re out in the open, easy to spot.

    This area needs better regulation. Out east, there are beaches that charge non-residents for access and parking. Meanwhile, here it’s far too easy for outsiders to flood our streets daily.

    It’s truly sad when people come to this otherwise peaceful neighborhood and completely disrespect it. We deserve better protection and stronger enforcement before something serious happens.

    • CAM July 5, 2025 (11:11 pm)

      This isn’t “outsiders” blowing up incendiary devices in your neighborhood. It’s your neighbors. 

  • Suzan Wilson July 5, 2025 (3:11 am)

    It is 3:01 am. I do not understand why the idiots shooting off M80sare being allowed to do this. My dog is utterly freaked out. My husband just had emergency surgery. I am nursemaid to them both. I know calling 911 will do nothing. What the heck are we celebrating? Getting drunk and waking everyone? Typical these days of treating others like useless garbage, junk in their way. I wish people in WS could be kinder, but this is a national phenomenon, I am afraid. Will see if my household gets any sleep. I wish it were de rigueur to say “be nice.” It isn’t. One day, these idiots will be the ones with screaming babies, terrorized animals and who will need rest and recovery. The way things are going, who knows if that will ever occur. There goes another one. 

    • Jim July 5, 2025 (9:32 am)

      Exactly the same thing occurred in the White Center community and in Delridge area  and West Seattle.  And yes, people are completely aware that fireworks have been illegal in this community for many years and I don’t understand why people have to nitpick comments people have made, like don’t you have anything else better to do or does it make you feel better?  I completely agree with Suzan in that people are acting like idiots and I could also include people don’t care how it effects others people.

  • Suzan Wilson July 5, 2025 (3:14 am)

    3:13 am. What the heck is going on down at the Alki? Where are the police to stop this? What a nuisance. 

  • AlkiD July 5, 2025 (3:42 am)

    Still experiencing random blasts in vicinity around 61st and Alki. Has been happening every 10-15 minutes since around midnight. Sounds like they come from the street. Someone or group may be driving around Alki setting off fireworks? Loud enough to shake the house and bright enough to light up 3rd floor window. 

    • Rosie July 5, 2025 (5:23 am)

      I noticed 3 groups. A bunch of people with cars on on the Blue Moon Side. On the bathhouse side were 2 guys on lime gliders with the really intense sounding fireworks. Next to them, was a group with a car (license plate covered with a towel) setting off another set of the really loud fireworks. They were easy to spot and the glider people moved a few times. Chaos. 

  • Fed up July 5, 2025 (5:40 am)

    I understand the police are understaffed. But I did call to report illegal fireworks—people had you name it exploding for HOURS. Never stopped until 4am. So obviously were never were talked to. I guess we can be thankful nothing burned. 

    • alki_2008 July 6, 2025 (2:23 pm)

      No buildings burned, but there were things set alight. There was an ottoman next to an apartment dumpster that was set on the fire. Neighbors put it out. A fire truck did arrive in the area and police did show up at 55th/Alki at one point, maybe around 1am, but didn’t have a lasting effect.

  • Dave July 5, 2025 (5:47 am)

    If there were a city council candidate whose entire platform were just, “Enforce city firework laws,” I would vote for them!

  • Marcus July 5, 2025 (6:10 am)

    So what is the solution? 

    • VapoCOOL July 5, 2025 (6:27 am)

      You should take a vacation up to Canada..

    • BH July 5, 2025 (9:10 am)

      Arrest the worst offenders, same as any crime. Huge fines. That will deter some of the others.There’s no reason to tolerate the fire hazard and harassment.

      • anonyme July 5, 2025 (1:35 pm)

        You’re right, enforcement is the only answer.  If, on just a single 4th of July, cops made some arrests and issued a lot of very public, very large fines, we would see a difference.  The problem is not too few police as many continue to claim.  The fact is that SPD does not enforce fireworks violations, regardless of staffing.  I’ve watched them maneuver around rocket launchers blocking a street, as they give a smile and a nod to the violator.  One good thing that Herbold did was to try and get an accounting from SPD as to how many citations were issued on the 4th, but to my knowledge they never responded.  I doubt that the number is much above ZERO.

        • Marcus July 5, 2025 (2:46 pm)

          How can the SPD enforce the fireworks laws without the resources?

    • CAM July 5, 2025 (11:17 pm)

      Implement a “sin tax” on fireworks the same as we do for other health hazards we want people to reduce their use of. 

      • BlairJ July 5, 2025 (11:35 pm)

        Since the fireworks are bought on the reservations, a tax would be difficult to implement.

  • New Deal July 5, 2025 (6:26 am)

    I was hoping for a quieter fourth given that Americans have nothing to celebrate.  We have become a joke to the rest of the world and I would much rather be bowing to King Charles than King Trump.  Then again, the 4th of July has never been about independence it has been about stupidity.  Much like the dogs, I drugged myself so I could get some sleep.  

  • Neighbor July 5, 2025 (6:51 am)

    Is the stabbing victim ok?

    • WSB July 5, 2025 (11:11 am)

      Stable condition, SFD says. I don’t have any circumstances update from SPD yet.

  • BH July 5, 2025 (8:57 am)

    In Highland Park, a group was shooting burning material onto roofs, trees and yards.

    Then verbally harassing neighbors.

    Then began launching fireworks over the fire station on 16th ave.

    Huge fire hazard.

  • WSB July 5, 2025 (9:43 am)

    TR-  I hope you can take a well -deserved nap today after the all night coverage. Thank you for all you do to keep us informed. 

  • HP Res2014 July 5, 2025 (10:08 am)

    Any update/details on the girl stabbed on 17th? Hope she is OK. Would love to know how it transpired on an otherwise quiet residential block. Thanks for all your reporting to keep us informed. 

    • James Roberts July 5, 2025 (5:47 pm)

      She’s in stable but critical condition I live 3 houses down and was surrounded by cop cars and swat vehicles  captured alot on my ring cameras and on videos

  • BH July 5, 2025 (11:44 am)

    BTW The stabbing was at the same time / on same block wherein the belligerent group was pointing fireworks at houses in the Highland Park.

    • BH July 5, 2025 (3:39 pm)

      The updated report of the address 7100 block of SW 17th Ave is blocks away from the crowd shooting fireworks at homes on 16th in Highland Park.
      Would delete the previous11:44 am post if I could.

  • WSB July 5, 2025 (1:07 pm)

    Updated again above.

  • gebee July 5, 2025 (2:33 pm)

    Alki neighbors get together and consult a good attorney about this issue. There is a lot of illegal activity going on here!!! If they have to pay, they won’t play. You don’t have to tolerate violence and property damage!!!

  • SeaWalk July 5, 2025 (3:42 pm)

    This is the most “Seattle” story ever! We poo, poo straws and pickleball noise. Yet detonate fire works (according to the economic Times 11,000 pounds) with complete abandon. Not even bothering to follow up with a broom and trash bucket the next day. We desperately need a Greta Thornbourg intervention!!! Oh, and we are anti gun, yet there’s a shooting several days every week. Mercy me.

  • Big Beautiful Bart July 5, 2025 (8:37 pm)

    There were boys lighting off huge fireworks on the Trenton baseball field next to Westwood Village. Now it looks like there’s a fire. SFD is on the way.

  • Ly July 5, 2025 (9:55 pm)

    Every 4th of July this happens. Feels like it’s going to get worse. We leave the city every year on this holiday, sometimes even country because we got sick of it. Why isn’t anything being done to improve this. 

  • Sillygoose July 6, 2025 (9:45 am)

    Empathy for residents of Alki and Harbor Ave. Neighbors come together for the summer. Rent a huge theater spot light.  Light these people up, they are putting on a show clearly looking for attention. Put them in a SPOT LIGHT!

    • bolo July 6, 2025 (11:29 am)

      That’s actually a pretty interesting solution. Of course, it might also encourage retaliation…

  • Holly G July 9, 2025 (11:31 am)

    Are there any updates on how the 17-year-old girl is doing?

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