Update: Man arrested after ‘numerous’ shots fired in Fairmount Ravine area; no shooting victims found

(TOPLINES: Gunfire reported, no one shot, one man taken into custody)

(Added: WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli; we’ve obscured face of man who was being treated)
2:53 PM: Police and fire are rushing to the 2100 block of Arch Place SW (map) – a dead-end road near Fairmount Ravine – on an “assault with weapons” call. Scanner report indicated shots were heard, but no report yet on victim(s). More to come.

3 PM: Via Twitter, SPD has confirmed that they have no report yet on whether there’s a victim – although emergency-radio discussion indicates there may be someone “down.” Police/fire are not certain yet whether it’s safe to go in – please note that, if you are anywhere in the area.

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand: Where fire crews are waiting, a few blocks away for safety)
3:07 PM: Scanner indicates police do not believe it’s safe to get close to the area. In comments, it’s reported that West Seattle High School and Lafayette Elementary are in shelter-in-place mode; let us know if you hear of any others. (added a moment later) Via Twitter, Seattle Public Schools says Madison, Schmitz Park, Alki also sheltering in place.

3:19 PM: Again, there is still no word of whether anyone is hurt. Police are still not sure of the status of the person who was reported to be shooting, so that’s why the abundance of caution. We have a crew in the area near where emergency responders are staged in case they’re needed – adding a photo, but take note, that’s a couple blocks south of the actual scene, since everyone is being kept back for safety. You might hear/see a law-enforcement helicopter there shortly. The suspect they are trying to find is described only as a white man in his 30s, blue shirt.

3:27 PM: The Guardian One helicopter has joined the search.

3:41 PM: Again, this is happening in a greenbelt area around a dead-end street in north Admiral, over Fairmount Ravine. That’s where police are concentrated. There is a report now via scanner they might have heard more shots. Still no confirmation whether anyone anywhere has been hurt.

3:55 PM: One person is in custody. We had heard via scanner that police had found a man – who we believe lives in the area – that they were looking for.

(WSB photos from here down are by Christopher Boffoli)
4:05 PM: Police have declared the scene “secure.” Our crews at the scene got word there might be one patient related to this – how they were injured, we don’t know yet.

4:14 PM: Schools are no longer sheltering in place. Police are still checking homes in the area to look for anyone possibly hurt.

4:28 PM: Police are reopening northbound Fairmount. They also are still checking the area (including some parked cars) to make sure there isn’t anyone hurt anywhere. An SPD media-relations detective is expected at the scene shortly for a briefing, and we will of course add whatever more we learn then.

4:57 PM: That hasn’t happened yet. Guardian One came back for a while but has been cleared again. Meantime, we’re adding some photos from the ravine part of the investigation.

5:17 PM: SPD spokesperson Det. Drew Fowler has just finished his media briefing – we have it on video and will upload when photographer’s back at HQ. (Added: here it is)

The toplines: Police first got a report of multiple shots fired, but couldn’t figure out where callers’ stories and locations differed. Eventually, with Guardian One’s help, they found one male suspect in the ravine. They have not found anyone who was a shooting victim. The suspect had some cuts and was treated by firefighters; now SPD is taking him to a hospital for a mental evaluation. They say he had a shotgun and handgun. They don’t know how many shots he fired but described them as “numerous”; some bullets hit cars.

ADDED 9:54 PM: SPD Blotter has a summary of the incident; no additional information except that the man arrested is described as 30 years old. We’re adding a few more photos and a short video clip from this afternoon’s investigation/search:

WSB’s Christopher Boffoli hiked into Fairmount Ravine, closed to vehicles while the investigation continued, and reached the scene where police and fire had gathered, with the suspect being treated (in the medic unit) for cuts:

Back uphill, WSB’s Patrick Sand noted police on bicycles – an initiative of SW Precinct commander Capt. Steve Wilske (who was in the ravine) – helpful tools given that some of today’s searching involved hillside paths:

We mentioned Guardian One several times; this is what it looks like:

A Fairmount Ravine resident shared some imagery from his surveillance camera, as SWAT officers staged – though police say this was never a standoff, since the suspect’s status and whereabouts weren’t known, these reinforcements were called out:

We will continue to follow this. Since tomorrow is Friday, charges would not be likely before Monday.

119 Replies to "Update: Man arrested after 'numerous' shots fired in Fairmount Ravine area; no shooting victims found"

  • JanS October 9, 2014 (2:54 pm)

    not too far from me…lots and lots of sirens…

  • K October 9, 2014 (2:55 pm)

    As I sit here listening to the sirens rushing by, I appreciate your speediness.

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (2:59 pm)

      And if anyone reading this is IN that area, note that the scene has not yet been declared secure – sounds like police/fire don’t yet know exactly what they have.

  • Brenda October 9, 2014 (3:00 pm)

    Dirtbags. I’m tired of seeing you in my neighborhood.

  • LBJ October 9, 2014 (3:05 pm)

    Shelter in place at West Seattle High School per text from my daughter @ WS

  • gina October 9, 2014 (3:06 pm)

    Lafayette just announced over loudspeaker system that they were sheltering in place, and called the kids in from recess.

    Madison and West Seattle kids are loose all over California Ave., Hiawatha, and outside and inside the Safeway store.

  • Studying October 9, 2014 (3:08 pm)

    Students staying at West Seattle’s after school study hall are currently in shelter in place and not allowed to leave

  • ben October 9, 2014 (3:08 pm)

    i can see the house from mine across the gulley. But all I can see is the back so I am not able to comment on LE or First Responder response. I counted close to 10 shots over a period of a minute or two. Sounded like a pistol, not a rifle. Some of my neighbors are a bit scared. There will probably be no aerial coverage due to the low ceiling. Stay tuned.

  • Kellee October 9, 2014 (3:13 pm)

    Just got a text from my son who was walking home from Madison through Hiawatha. The Community Center grabbed all the kids and ushered them inside, under lock down. (He is not enrolled in any programs there, so it sounds like they just grabbed all the kids they could find.)

  • Sherrie October 9, 2014 (3:14 pm)

    I just got a text from my daughter at Madison middle school at after school. They are also in lock down .

  • MC October 9, 2014 (3:15 pm)

    Just spoke to my son who goes to Madison – they are clearing Hiawatha and having kids go to West Seattle High

  • Clayton Gillett October 9, 2014 (3:15 pm)

    Shelter in place confirmed by student at WHS.

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (3:18 pm)

      Thank you. SPS has confirmed shelter-in-places via Twitter https://twitter.com/seapubschools/status/520335090870525952 – again, there is no report of anyone hurt but police are not certain of the status of the person who was reported to be firing shots, and that’s why they’re taking precautions.

  • kumalavula October 9, 2014 (3:17 pm)

    I’m walking along harbor ave towards salty’s and black unmarked suv w/lights flashing recently raced by headed toward where fairmount ends at the water. maybe they’re going to secure the area from that end?

  • Alicia October 9, 2014 (3:18 pm)

    Called the SPD about this… heard 15-20 shots (and agree with Ben, it sounded like a pistol) and heard a man yelling. I hope everyone is okay.

  • Madison Teacher October 9, 2014 (3:18 pm)

    I’m sitting here in my classroom as I shelter in place. We have not been told why we are sheltering in place. I’m glad to know I can check the blog to see what’s going on with us.

  • zark00 October 9, 2014 (3:23 pm)

    SPS – I don’t think Twitter is an effective, or appropriate means of informing people about emergencies.
    Losing my mind here stuck at work waiting to hear – something, anything.

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (3:26 pm)

      Zark, believe me, everything we are posting is everything that is known. We have a crew at the scene AND are listening to all the radio discussion. Meantime, note for all, Guardian One will be visible/audible in the area any moment now, to help with the search.

  • ben October 9, 2014 (3:23 pm)

    the shots were in bursts: like 4, 2, 3, 4, etc. as noted it covered a longer period of time maybe up to a minute or two. shortly after the first group, there were 4 more probably 30 seconds later

  • Michelle October 9, 2014 (3:24 pm)

    Two things. 1) Teachers should be told WHY they are sheltering in place. In case whatever it is comes their way, they know what to look out for. and 2) I am impressed that the staff at Hiawatha acted so quickly. Granted, they grabbed kids not enrolled in their program but the kids are in a safe place.

  • Brand October 9, 2014 (3:29 pm)

    Helicopter right above us, we are on Victoria.

  • ben October 9, 2014 (3:29 pm)

    who posted the photo and are you saying that there may be a suspect at large? or is he contained in the 2100 arch place residence

    Helicopters overhead at 3:26 PM

    Will see who’s agency or which news team
    King County Sheriff’s copter is over 2300 block of Belvidere across the gulley from the incedent

  • zark00 October 9, 2014 (3:30 pm)

    Thanks WSB, if it weren’t for you, I would know nothing.
    My wife was literally about to drive to pick up our daughter, no idea of what was happening.
    Thankfully I check WSB all the time, and was able to call her and tell what was happening.
    Twitter, is useless for this purpose.
    I can’t believe SPS would use a toy to communicate with parents about an emergency.
    WSB is a godsend, without you we’d be clueless, my wife could be driving into something very bad right now if not for WSB.

  • ben October 9, 2014 (3:30 pm)

    joined what search”??

    Is there a suspect at large or not

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (3:33 pm)

      They don’t know for sure where the reported guy-with-gun is. Guardian One is trying to help. We had mentioned it was on the way.

  • Wine Girl October 9, 2014 (3:34 pm)

    several SWAT vehicles just went flying up Harbor Ave towards scene.

  • deano October 9, 2014 (3:34 pm)

    pathfinder is holding in place (shelter in place) buses will be late

  • ben October 9, 2014 (3:36 pm)

    G1 is surveilling the area and appears to be using their thermal camera in an effort to find any heat signature that could be the “Suspect?”

    Still want to know if there is a suspect at large or not. This information should be given to the public immediately.

  • sun*e October 9, 2014 (3:36 pm)

    I’m at my office where we heard the shots earlier and am now hearing helicopters circling above…scary stuff! There’s a lot of woods around here so I sure hope they’re able to find him sooner than later.

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (3:40 pm)

      Please also note, because this is a dangerous situation, we are not publishing – in story or comments – any specific information regarding police movements. Know that they are in the area. Regarding whether a suspect is “at large” or not, they are not even sure yet exactly what happened except that a man was reported to be firing gunshots, at one point. No one has been reported to have been hit, but they haven’t gotten close enough to know for sure. They have heard someone shouting, most recently, and now there is a report possibly of more shots. This is a dead-end street over Fairmount Ravine with greenbelt and trails.

  • wade October 9, 2014 (3:38 pm)

    We got the robo call about 10-15 min ago from SPS informing us of the event. They (SPS) also just answered a question about if we can pick up in a shelter in place event. They responded w/in 2 min to that question. That was quick for a response on a social media question.

  • sam-c October 9, 2014 (3:41 pm)

    I realize that this is during the day and in a large community area with lots of people, schools and everything. but SPD doesn’t seem to always respond like this to calls of ‘shots fired’ ? does it have to do with the neighborhood?

    did someone involved call this in?

    a couple years ago, I heard about 6-7 shots fired in the middle of the night and called police. I didn’t have much to give them beyond- sounded like it came from this direction, and I am at XXX address. upon reviewing with a neighbor a couple days later, they had heard and called it in too. however, neither of us ever heard any police/ sirens show up.

    do middle of the night calls not get attention? do you need to live in a nicer part of town for the police to show up to ‘shots fired’ without a lot of concrete details ?

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (3:46 pm)

      Sam, please don’t make a neighborhood vs. neighborhood assumption. If you have a report of someone standing outside a house firing shots – apparently with some people on the phone – you’re going to get fast reaction. That is apparently how this started. Also, if you call in shots in the middle of the night, you will not HEAR police show up – they will not necessarily run their sirens. They will check the area – I hear these calls on the scanner all the time – and sometimes an officer who is already in the area verifies fireworks. Or finds shell casings.

  • Lara October 9, 2014 (3:41 pm)

    West Seattle Bright Horizons is in a Stay in Place….All children are inside ( will not be on the playgrounds)

  • ben October 9, 2014 (3:42 pm)

    WSB
    can see the area, and am close but have not heard any additional weapons discharge unless it was in the house. But we would probably hear that

  • Shar October 9, 2014 (3:42 pm)

    Got a text from my son who goes to Madison stating that he was shelter in place. This is scary.

  • Runner Girl October 9, 2014 (3:44 pm)

    There was a fight at WSHS today at lunch. Hope this is not a retaliation.

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (3:48 pm)

      Runner Girl – this is not reported to have anything to do with schools or teenagers. The person who was believed to be firing shots is described as in his 30s.

  • zark00 October 9, 2014 (3:45 pm)

    Wife is picking up daughter at Lafayette right now – hopefully that give some other Lafayette parent some solace – I started breathing again – thank you WSB, just, Thank You.

  • yumpears October 9, 2014 (3:48 pm)

    I don’t think SPS is just using twitter. I received an automated email message at 3:21 and a robocall at 3:23 both from Madison saying they were shelter in place. It was nice to hear something from them, but I did not hear anything from Alki where my younger child is at.

  • Jeff October 9, 2014 (3:50 pm)

    Is this situation impacting traffic and bus service on Admiral Way? I haven’t heard or seen any info on the Metro website or twitter feed.

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (3:51 pm)

      Jeff, no, it is not. This is all a few blocks north, where police/fire are staging, and if you look at the map in our first line, it is several blocks north of Admiral.
      .
      Please also note on the separate discussion re: SPS communication – Twitter is an “added” thing they are doing more of now – I realize some might not want to use social media, but it is a very quick way to get information. They have new people in the communications department who are facile with more of today’s communication technology, so I believe it is being used as an addition, not a substitution. http://twitter.com/seapubschools

  • b October 9, 2014 (3:50 pm)

    G1 still actively assessing the area over belvidere park point and the gulley

  • Shawn October 9, 2014 (3:52 pm)

    So, we’re all voting yes on I-594 and no on I-591, right?

  • Bonnie October 9, 2014 (3:56 pm)

    This must have been what was happening when I was picking up my daughter at Arbor Heights (Boren on Delridge). Lots of cop cars speeding by. Maybe 5 or 6.

  • Grace October 9, 2014 (3:56 pm)

    Lafayette told me when I called just now that parents have to come get the kids or the bus riders will be put onto the busses as usual.

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (3:57 pm)

      1 man is in custody. Seems to be who they were looking for. But we haven’t been given the all-clear just yet.

  • RS October 9, 2014 (3:57 pm)

    I wonder if this is the same guy who was recently arrested who lives in his parents’ house in that area?

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (4:08 pm)

      If you mean Duane Atwood, he remains in jail. Same neighborhood. Not going to name any further names until and unless we find out who if anyone is being booked for this. Police are still canvassing homes to make sure everyone’s safe.
      .
      And we have updated the story – police have declared the scene secure. It does not sound as if they are looking for anyone else in terms of possible suspect(s).

  • b October 9, 2014 (4:02 pm)

    so are we stand down or still active

  • gina October 9, 2014 (4:02 pm)

    All the yellow busses on 45th have departed Lafayette. Kids were escorted to busses by school personnel. Over the intercom Lafayette has announced for all kids still in the classrooms to come to the office. All the playground gates are currently locked.

  • JE October 9, 2014 (4:04 pm)

    zark, get with the times, Twitter is immediate and realtime. So glad it got posted to Twitter. A phone call 15 minutes later? Slow.

  • b October 9, 2014 (4:06 pm)

    G1 has pulled off

  • Grace October 9, 2014 (4:06 pm)

    My daughter goes to Schmitz Park and took the bus home. The bus left at 3:00pm, so maybe that was right before the shelter in place decision?

  • zark00 October 9, 2014 (4:07 pm)

    No email, voice call, text, robo call, carrier pigeon, or smoke signal from SPS – just a tweet.

    I got the email about school closed Friday, should they not have used at least that channel as well?

    Some companies block the use of twitter, some phones don’t support twitter, some people don’t even know what it is – it’s an ineffective means of communicating an emergency to anyone for any reason.

  • b October 9, 2014 (4:09 pm)

    What a cool tool this WSB is!!!!!!

    THANKS WSB!!

    On another note who is on the robo list for calls, emails etc in times of emergency like this and what is the perimeter or geography of a call or notification? I didn’t get a call but did get an email from the north NEAdmiral@googlegroups.com

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (4:14 pm)

      B – the only calls anyone are discussing here would be related to Seattle Public Schools. Otherwise, there are no emergency notifications from police etc. related to something like this. We have done real-time news for West Seattle for more than seven years, 24/7, and cover all emergencies, but we’re not affiliated with police/fire/city/etc. – we’re an independent news organization.
      .
      Meantime, SPS has announced via Twitter that schools have all lifted their shelter-in-place.

  • NM October 9, 2014 (4:13 pm)

    Thanks to a SPS tweet I found out my child’s school was in Shelter in Place! When I tweeted back they told me to go to the WSB for information! Love the WSB!!!!

  • Keri October 9, 2014 (4:15 pm)

    Grace- yes. Schmitz put the shelter in place just after 3:00 apx 3:03

  • b October 9, 2014 (4:15 pm)

    zark00
    agree
    why are we using twitter to inform the public of emergencies??? Bad policy and plan of action

    With the mass notifications in place for natural disasters using POTS, that seems to me to be a more effective and real time notification opportunity.
    If my device is not on, I am not in front of my computer, or as has happened in many of these Seattle incidents, the network has collapsed many times due to far to many messages going out. Happens oftener than most of you know about. Been there with SPD on occasions when this issue basically shuts down all internet communications via wireless devices.

  • John October 9, 2014 (4:16 pm)

    helicopters are gone. Hopefully it’s under wraps.

  • b October 9, 2014 (4:16 pm)

    know your status and appreciate your hard work and real time effort to keep the public in the loop

    Again, thanks

  • JanS October 9, 2014 (4:17 pm)

    and helicopters gone…peace in the ‘hood once again…

    with the ravine there, so many places for someone to hide. But…that was quick…good work to all :)

  • worried@work October 9, 2014 (4:20 pm)

    Anything new since the last update?

  • b October 9, 2014 (4:21 pm)

    JE
    according to the FCC, POTS is 99% available in WA state. YOU cannot say that about the internet or any of the 3G or 4G carriers ability to inform the public in cases of natural disaster etc. Furthermore, no twitter, not notification.

  • Caden October 9, 2014 (4:23 pm)

    I was at Baskin Robbins down by the metropolitan market and I saw many cop cars speeding by about 3 o-clock and then I heard the helicopter shortly after http://www.youtube.com

  • Nw mama October 9, 2014 (4:24 pm)

    Is there a text alert for this type of thing (it’s stated it’s not considered safe to be near area). My sons preschool right in this area got out at 3pm and all us parents allowed our kids to play outside for 40 m or so (under our supervision). All of us just happened to be present with our kids and not checking the blog during this time :)

  • D October 9, 2014 (4:24 pm)

    definitely don’t think the “scene [is] ‘secure.’”

    could’ve sworn i just heard a woman wailing about someone having/holding a gun and a few mins. later just heard a man shouting/wailing. can’t help but think this is still ongoing.

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (4:26 pm)

      Police have declared it secure. Maybe that’s someone they are talking to. They were interviewing two people in particular. Also, a public-info officer is en route to brief us and the rest of the gathered media, who are closer to the Fairmount/Belvidere site that police are checking, than to the Arch Place site.
      .
      They are reopening Fairmount, per scanner.

  • RJB October 9, 2014 (4:27 pm)

    Enough is enough.

    I am a survivor of gun violence here in West Seattle, and I have been volunteering at the local phone bank for initiative I-594. Please contact me if you want to join me to help us take an important step toward making our community safer. I can get you the information on where and when you can join us.

    There is a flood of money from outside of Washington coming in to confuse people into voting against this common sense ballot initiative.

    You can contact me through the links on my website or the contact form there.

    All of these guns are not making us any safer, our community taking action together for common sense reforms does.

  • b October 9, 2014 (4:30 pm)

    so i am right above the fairmont belvidere site, in fact on belvidere and can see the house that is on belvidere and fairmont from my front yard. Don’t see any activity. Where did this info come from?
    is this the actual site or is it still 2100 arch place???

  • Elle October 9, 2014 (4:30 pm)

    Hi all, I know that everything is over but I wanted to let you know that if any of your children hang out at Safeway after school, Cheryl (an employee there) ushered all of the kids hanging out outside into the store & had them sit in the small lounge area. Be sure to give her a thanks for looking out for our kiddos. :)

  • newintown October 9, 2014 (4:35 pm)

    “Shelter-in-place” means teaching continues, but everyone comes inside and no one leaves. “Lock down” means all hide inside in the dark in silence.

  • VVT October 9, 2014 (4:36 pm)

    I was walking my pup near Madison during the commotion, and when I got to the front of the school, a man with a handheld who appeared to be escorting kids to their parents’ cars told me about the report of a shooting and that 4 suspects were involved. Did initial reports mention anything about 4 individuals?

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (4:39 pm)

      VVT, not that we heard at any point. But at this point, police seem to be sorting out much, talking to a woman who was a witness or at least someone who called in the original incident, etc.
      .
      Also, sounds like another TV helicopter is on the way in. So if you hear a helicopter, don’t panic, it’s TV.

  • Alkidoc October 9, 2014 (4:36 pm)

    Thanks wsb! I was on my way home and got a text to check the blog – I live in the 2200 block of Fairmount. So now I’m camped out waiting for the all clear. There have been more suspicious types hanging around under the admiral bridge lately…. Probably unrelated but I don’t like it. Hope my dog isn’t freaking out with all the commotion.

  • ChefJTR October 9, 2014 (4:39 pm)

    Great job WSB, as usual!
    I agree using the so-called “social media” method of Twitt. is inappropriate and quite assumptive that everyone would use or even care about that service…especially for emergencies.
    An instant, emergency service like Amber Alert should already have been established by now, duh. I do appreciate WSB for being all over it, in real time, as usual. Great job guys! As a parent with kids at Pathfinder, I found out from the staff at the school as well, ’cause they are also professionals who totally rock at their job!

  • Interrobang October 9, 2014 (4:41 pm)

    Thanks for being so on top of this, WSB — Your reporting is always so stellar, but especially in instances like this where you help the community in creating viable discussion and squashing unnecessary conjecture.

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (4:47 pm)

      Thank you, I’bang.
      .
      Re: notifications … This is a good side conversation but I do have to tell you all, while I would heartily urge you to contact your elected officials and tell them that you are interested in emergency notifications, these things move glacially. They are still trying to work out the ability to RECEIVE texted reports for 911, let alone planning ways to push out notifications. It would be a whole ‘nother bureaucracy to figure out what area to send a notification, when to send a notification, etc. You can choose not to use social media if you want, but Twitter is a fast way to plug into information. While the website is our main channel and always the first place we publish anything important, Twitter is second and it is where most news agencies, public safety agencies, government agencies post bulletins. It is free and easy to use and you can arrange text notifications. (We for example have a notification set up for ANY TIME SPD tweets, even knowing it’s not always going to be about WS.) We also post selected links to Facebook, especially for breaking news, but because Facebook does NOT show you everything from everyone you follow, we discourage reliance on it for anything that matters (beyond interacting with family and friends). Our .02. Let me know if you would find breaking-news notifications from us to be of value. We’ve pondered it over the years … TR

  • Near Lafayette October 9, 2014 (4:51 pm)

    A helicopter just returned to our neighborhood (right next to Lafayette).

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (4:55 pm)

      Guardian One was brought back for some reason I missed. It has just been cleared to leave again.

  • sam-c October 9, 2014 (4:57 pm)

    re: notifications…. wow, I haven’t yet managed to fit a smart phone and smart phone plan in our budget. I hope twitter doesn’t become the only means of communication….

  • S.H. October 9, 2014 (5:00 pm)

    I was one of the people who called this in. I live above the Greenbelt on Victoria. The other night, we heard someone yelling for about an hour at 9 pm. And then this afternoon, just after 3 pm, I heard the gunshots coming from what seemed like the triangle between Brook, Fairmount and Belvedere. Definitely sounded like it was coming from below. The same crazy guy who was yelling the other night was out doing it again during the firing. Seems likely he is also the shooter. Helicopters still overhead…

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (5:03 pm)

      That one is a TV helicopter, waiting to see if they will go ‘live” one more time during their newscast. We have them on the scanner too.

  • AWS October 9, 2014 (5:09 pm)

    My husband and I heard a shot in the ravine – clearly a shot, not a backfire – a few nights ago and called it in.

  • JanS October 9, 2014 (5:20 pm)

    AWS..I’m on 42nd SW near Safeway, and I was awakened by the same thing, but was so totally oblivious to the world I went right back to sleep :( There are more people hanging, living, etc., below the Admiral Bridge now…:(

  • steve October 9, 2014 (5:35 pm)

    Yes, there are people under the bridge.
    I noticed the new fence/barrier that was RE-installed has already been cut away.

  • fiz October 9, 2014 (5:35 pm)

    Tracy, breaking news notifications from WSB would reach tens of thousands. Please add that service if you can. I check the Blog several times each day, even when traveling. You are my go-to always first source.

  • Militant Moderate October 9, 2014 (5:37 pm)

    Put me down as someone who lives in the area could’ve sworn they heard a gunshot. IIRC, it was during the second half of the Seahawks game Monday evening.

    I didn’t call it in because, 1) Maybe it was a car backfiring or fireworks (I THINK I can tell the difference, but maybe not); and 2) I couldn’t tell exactly where it was coming from, except north and east of Admiral and Walnut.

    Is that enough to call the police with? I didn’t think so at the time, but perhaps I should’ve.

  • Seaview Resident October 9, 2014 (6:03 pm)

    My vote regarding emergency notification capability from WSB — YES!! There have been several times over the years that I’ve wished you had it.

    Is it difficult to add?

  • 2221Matt October 9, 2014 (6:04 pm)

    I have heard several shots fired in the last few days. I live about midway up the canyon. I didn’t call it in because there was no way to tell the police where the sounds came from. It’s a thickly-wooded area and I can’t even see the house next door.

  • Martha October 9, 2014 (6:06 pm)

    I’ve been hearing gun shots for the last month or so in the ravine below me. Today was several shots. I had enough….called the cops. Glad someone’s in custody.

  • AlkiMom October 9, 2014 (6:11 pm)

    @NM, that was me who tweeted that you should check the blog (not SPS) :) I have to say I was pleased to get a phone call from the school so quickly after the shelter-in-place started. Of course I went straight to WSB and then followed the link to SPS on Twitter. Glad to see the District using multiple forms of communication.

  • Roxy October 9, 2014 (6:24 pm)

    Thanks WSB. You are like the neighborhoods’ best big sister, someone you can always turn to for answers.

  • JanS October 9, 2014 (6:34 pm)

    MM…north and east of Admiral and Walnut…the upper part of the Fairmount gully, perhaps? That’s where I heard, and I think that’s probably where some of the people living there hangout, because it’s so wooded in that area.

  • Mookie October 9, 2014 (6:37 pm)

    I hope anyone hearing someone screaming for an hour called police about it. If it was the same guy who was yelling–and shooting–today, I wonder if an involuntary mental evaluation earlier could have prevented what seems to have been a meltdown today with guns in the house.
    .
    Yes there are people under the bridge. And apparently what some term “dirtbags” visiting the neighborhood. What if today’s shooter was neither?

  • West Seattle since 1979 October 9, 2014 (6:38 pm)

    Glad they got him. Thanks WSB for keeping us informed!

  • Petunia October 9, 2014 (6:40 pm)

    Thanks WSB and SPD!!!

  • junctioneer October 9, 2014 (7:14 pm)

    Was that the videographer trying multiple times to trick the spokesman into saying which hospital the man was taken to, or was the videographer just proud to know which hospital it was?

  • Militant Moderate October 9, 2014 (8:01 pm)

    JanS: “MM…north and east of Admiral and Walnut…the upper part of the Fairmount gully, perhaps? That’s where I heard, and I think that’s probably where some of the people living there hangout, because it’s so wooded in that area.”

    I think so.

    The homeless that live down there are a particularly scary-looking bunch and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re a significant proportion of the area’s property crimes.

    (Not trying to accuse ALL homeless people of being criminals, because they’re not … just this bunch.)

  • GF October 9, 2014 (8:03 pm)

    What is a Guardian One helicopter?

  • JanS October 9, 2014 (8:40 pm)

    Mookie, no one at any time speculated that this was caused by one of the homeless down there, nor has anyone on this comment thread called them “dirtbags”. It is common knowledge in this area who is down there. I see them just about daily, going down my alley and going through trash. I think it’s a shame that there is homelessness in this world, and that these folks have to do that in order to live, if they have no other choice.

    And, yes, you are right. It could be “the nice fella who lives in the next block”. No one ever said anything different than that that I can see.

  • Neighbor October 9, 2014 (8:50 pm)

    How is it that no one has mentioned the truck that was stolen during this whole episode on Prescott Pl. right above the ravine? It was a truck owned by a man doing work at a resident. Does this mean that there actually was another person involved? Has the truck been recovered?

    Many people in this neighborhood have been hearing gunshots for over a week.

    • WSB October 9, 2014 (8:57 pm)

      Hadn’t heard anything about a truck. And police were fairly adamant that this arrest resolved the case. I see an auto-tweet about auto theft in the 2400 block of Prescott https://twitter.com/SeattlePDW1/status/520384492167393280 – looking at the map, that is on the other side of the ravine from both areas where this was happening (Arch and Belvidere on the west side of Fairmount; Prescott is over the east side). I have no way of finding out if it’s been recovered – hopefully its owners would have heard if it had.

  • Mike October 9, 2014 (8:51 pm)

    Thank you to all that called this in, the police and fire departments for their quick response which resulted in no major injuries and a quick arrest of the suspect. Job well done.

  • sc October 9, 2014 (9:06 pm)

    Are the homeless people the victims?

  • 2221Matt October 9, 2014 (10:36 pm)

    Now I feel kinda bad about not reporting the possible gunshots earlier in the week but given the geography of my house it’s easy to see why I don’t call. My house is so deep in the trees that you cannot see the nearest house. Plus, sounds echo in the canyon in a weird way. I can hear sea lions barking in Elliot Bay, anchor chains falling on container ships, cars driving over the Admiral bridge – all things hundreds of yards away from the house. There is no way to tell where a sound is coming from in this canyon, especially when you’re indoors. Just glad the SPD did a wonderful job working it out. And a big thanks form one helicopter pilot to another: thanks for help, Guardian One!

  • Melissa Overdorf October 9, 2014 (11:19 pm)

    I live in the 2100 block of Arch Place SW, where this all took place. Luckily, I had decided to take my kids to the library after school or we would have been at home for all of it. I learned about it from our admiral branch, who took all patrons to the basement for Lockdown. They set up tables, brought in chips and cupcakes, kids books, etc… They were remarkable. I was soooooo impressed. I took a few pics but don’t know how to attach them to this. Needless to say when we returned home, all of us neighbors were out in the street consoling each other, comparing notes, etc…

  • LyndaB October 9, 2014 (11:51 pm)

    I second WSB trying out a textalert system. At the same time I just tweeted SPS to look at UW’s alert system that uses text and email alerts.

  • B October 10, 2014 (8:22 am)

    WSB textalert sounds great but who is going to help set this up for them? Um…they are busy getting the news for us.

  • b October 10, 2014 (10:42 am)

    WSB

    There IS an automated robo system that is shared by SPD and SPU. Please feel free to contact me using my email if you want to further discuss this.

  • The Rocket Made of Tin October 10, 2014 (11:04 am)

    Nice work SPD, SFD and WSB. It’s nice to continue to know we have such professional and capable resources, especially during times like these.
    .
    I will look into seeing if we can come up with a technical solution for an opt in auto text alert system. Who ever mentioned this above, great idea! Perhaps this could be subscription based and/or crowd funded to cover costs. I am of course working under the assumption that the WSB is even open to the idea.
    .
    Alternatively, is could be independent of WSB and have a point person that is in contact with WSB. Many options and details to be sorted out if pursued.

  • The Rocket Made of Tin October 10, 2014 (11:07 am)

    ^ There appears to be a number of third party subscription based services that provide batch mobile testing. One option.

    • WSB October 10, 2014 (11:14 am)

      We’re looking into it. Basically it comes down to an opt-in mailing list. Some might want to subscribe with their phone numbers, some might want to subscribe with e-mail addresses, or both. We’re very wary of third-party providers without significant track records, as we’ve seen too many suddenly shut down and take with them content, lists, etc., so that’s why we haven’t gotten involved over the years.

  • tim October 10, 2014 (1:13 pm)

    Whatever happened to https://westseattleblog.com/2012/07/automatic-gunfire-detector-part-of-west-seattle-on-recommendation-list/ ? I wish my area had one so I wouldn’t have to call 9-1-1. I usually have no clue if I’m hearing gunfire or fireworks and where it is coming from.

    • WSB October 10, 2014 (1:17 pm)

      It was thrown out of the last mayor’s budget, and was not proposed in the current one. For all the questions we get “was that gunfire?” it sounded helpful to us too. But among other challenges, these devices apparently raise privacy concerns. Meantime, if you hear something nearby, police say, CALL 911 – the more calls they get, the better chance they have of figuring out whether it’s gunfire or fireworks, and whether anyone has been hurt. Most of the time in this area, the latter is not the case, but so many times when we’re listening to the scanner late at night, including frequencies for the more-violent areas of the city, the report of gunshots is followed by discovery of someone down, somewhere, and if not for the callers, who knows when the victim(s) would have been found … TR

  • Gunnie October 23, 2014 (4:46 pm)

    Has there been any more news on this? Is the suspect still in jail? Has he been charged? Was his home address confirmed? I live just up the street. I don’t want to engage in any debate on the numerous controversial political/social issues here. I would just like to know if I need to look over my shoulder every time I walk down the ravine (i.e. if there is someone living on my street who is armed to the teeth and subject to hallucinations).

    • WSB October 23, 2014 (5:02 pm)

      Yes, we published a followup. We reported the following week that suspect Daren Atwood was charged (it’s a misdemeanor, so that involves a citation filed via Seattle Municipal Court) and jailed:
      .
      Then 24 hours later we had an update when he was released from jail:
      .
      Nothing new in the case that I know of; his next hearing is in mid-November.
      .
      We don’t publish home addresses but he does indeed live in the area where it happened.
      .
      TR

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