Police Investigate 5 Shooting Incidents on State Highway

Police in Washington state are currently investigating five separate shootings that unfolded Monday night along Interstate 5. Authorities from the Washington State Patrol confirmed that multiple individuals suffered injuries during these incidents. However, it remains uncertain whether the shootings are linked.

In connection with some of the shootings, law enforcement apprehended a suspect whose vehicle was identified in the Tacoma area early Tuesday. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the details of each incident.

The first reported shooting occurred on northbound I-5 at 320th in King County. A spokesperson for the Washington State Patrol, Trooper Rick Johnson, stated that one passenger sustained injuries during this incident.

Shortly after the initial report, police received another call about a shooting on northbound I-5 at MLK. Fortunately, no injuries were reported here, but a vehicle did sustain damage in the event.

A third shooting was reported soon after, taking place on northbound I-5 at Interstate 90. The Seattle Fire Department disclosed that they treated a 20-year-old woman who had been injured and was in critical condition.

Two additional shootings were reported on southbound I-5, near State Route 18 and 54th in Pierce County. The authorities indicated that there were injuries, though they have not confirmed the number of individuals hurt in these incidents.

Law enforcement was able to link the suspect’s vehicle, described as a white Volvo with a California license plate, to the latter two shootings, which helped ascertain connections to the first reported incident.

Details on the suspect’s identity have yet to be fully disclosed. Pierce County sheriff’s deputies had initially visited the home of a potential suspect late Monday; however, the suspect’s vehicle was not present at that time.

As the investigation continued, just after midnight on Tuesday, a deputy spotted the suspect’s vehicle entering an apartment complex. Officers pursued the vehicle, which was ultimately brought to a halt by stop sticks deployed by a Fircrest police officer.

Once the vehicle came to a stop following the deployment of the stop sticks, deputies conducted a felony stop. According to a press release from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, “The suspect was compliant and taken into custody by a Fircrest officer and WSP trooper.”

At this time, no additional injuries related to the shootings have been reported, and I-5 was briefly closed to allow police to gather evidence. The highway has since reopened as of Tuesday morning.

A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, where state police are expected to provide further updates regarding the shootings and the ongoing investigation.

The situation remains fluid, with authorities continuing to assess the relationship between the shootings and gather more information about the suspect’s background and motives.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any information that may be relevant to the investigation as police work to ensure safety along the interstate.

Source: ABC News